Ginkgo Skytower stunted growth - Ask Extension
I purchased 4 Ginkgo Skytower trees saplings from a mail order company. They were packaged and shipped in good condition. I planted them next to one a...
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Ginkgo Skytower stunted growth #913945
Asked August 13, 2025, 7:00 PM EDT
I purchased 4 Ginkgo Skytower trees saplings from a mail order company. They were packaged and shipped in good condition. I planted them next to one another and they have been here two full years. The middle tree is noticeably smaller and the leaves are small. Should I be concerned or will it catch up eventually? It's there anything I can do to remedy it's growth?
Wright County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
There are many reasons that transplanted trees fail to thrive. Most of the problem is root trimming.
20 to 55% of newly transplanted trees die. This is a good review of this problem. https://www.scfc.gov/management/urban-forestry/urban-tree-care-resources/newly-planted-trees-survival-guide/
There is a problem in the spacing of your trees. Given the adult size of the trees, they should be 6-10 feet apart.
Leave them be this year. One application of a NPK 5-5-5 slow release is OK. Consider replanting in the fall because you will have to to do it later. https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/sky-tower-ginkgo-biloba-tree.html#:~:text=Suggested%20Spacing:%206%20feet%20apart,apart%20for%20space%20between%20trees
There are many reasons that transplanted trees fail to thrive. Most of the problem is root trimming.
20 to 55% of newly transplanted trees die. This is a good review of this problem. https://www.scfc.gov/management/urban-forestry/urban-tree-care-resources/newly-planted-trees-survival-guide/
There is a problem in the spacing of your trees. Given the adult size of the trees, they should be 6-10 feet apart.
Leave them be this year. One application of a NPK 5-5-5 slow release is OK. Consider replanting in the fall because you will have to to do it later. https://www.wilsonbrosgardens.com/sky-tower-ginkgo-biloba-tree.html#:~:text=Suggested%20Spacing:%206%20feet%20apart,apart%20for%20space%20between%20trees
