Fairmont Ginkgo

Fairmount Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Fairmount')

Fairmount Ginkgo is a resilient, long-lived shade tree with a strong pyramidal to broadly oval crown and distinctive fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant clear yellow in fall. Its clean branching and urban tolerance make a dependable anchor for streetscapes, campuses, and large lawns.

Distinctive Features

Bold, fan-shaped foliage and sturdy limbs provide a classic architectural silhouette, while exceptional pollution, heat, and soil tolerance support reliable performance in built environments.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for best canopy density and fall color.
• Soil: Adaptable to most well drained soils; tolerates acidic to alkaline conditions.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then deep soak during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: Typically 40 to 60 ft tall and 30 to 40 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Distinct fan leaves and brilliant gold fall color create a striking specimen.
• Street Tree: Handles urban heat, compacted soils, and pollution.
• Shade Tree: Broad crown cools patios, play areas, and open greens.
• Allees and Drives: Repeats cleanly in rows to frame entries and walks.
• Parks and Campuses: Durable, low-input canopy for large spaces.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water weekly the first 2 to 3 years; transition to occasional deep watering during drought.
• Pruning: Train early for strong central structure and clearance; prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing wood.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring only if soil tests indicate deficiency.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and protect roots, keeping mulch off the trunk.
• Notes: Choose planting stock verified for desired characteristics; allow room for mature spread.

Why Choose Fairmount Ginkgo?

• Iconic Foliage: Fan-shaped leaves and vivid fall gold deliver high visual impact.
• Urban Toughness: Thrives in heat, wind, and city soils.
• Long-Lived: Exceptional lifespan and structural durability.
• Low Input: Minimal pruning and few pest issues in landscapes.
• Design Versatility: Works as specimen, street tree, or in formal allees.

Plant in full sun with good drainage, water deeply during establishment, and shape early for a long-lived, well-structured shade tree with dependable fall color.