We Have A Ginkgo Tree That Produces Leaves Every Year But Has Not Grown In 15 Years. It Still Looks Like A Sapling. What Is Wrong?

Question

It is planted in an area of full sun. It is on a hill so irrigation is good. It has perhaps grown about 6 inches since we got it 17 years ago. My husband would like to just remove it but I keep telling him to wait since it always has leaves every year. What is wrong with it?

Answer 1

They are slow growers, but still put on about 12 inches a year. If you haven't fertilized with synthetic fertilizer or compost in the spring, try that. A soil sample would indicate if there is a soil issue as well as what nutrition it may need. There also could be a problem with the roots. These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/ginkgo/feeding-ginkgo-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/ginkgo/managing-sick-ginkgo-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm