Defoliation of Ginko?

[Peter Hobbs]

Hi all, just wondering what folks think about defoliating Ginko's...is it done or not?

[bonsaibruce]

Greetings and Happy New Year,
I would not defoliate a Ginko. It will drop all it's leaves after a nice display of autumn colour.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

[GavinG]

Because they grow so slowly, unless it's a very old tree already, you wouldn't want to discourage it any further by defoliating. If you get my drift. Only when it's old, thick, well reticulated and mature, then maybe. If it's young, grow long, cut back.

Just my 2c.

Gavin

[Peter Hobbs]

Thanks for the replies. It was just a random thought that popped into my head with one eye on the cricket and the other roving over the trees. Was thinking it may help with leaf reduction and ramifications but will take the advice and manage as suggested. Thanks again

[treeman]

Yes don't ever defoliate Ginko just pinch tender growth to 1 or 2 leaves. Heavy branch cuts will not heal over either. I've also found with mine that repotting seems to be the only way to get vigorous new growth. Feeding during the second year dosen't do much.

[JR_J]

Hi Peter,
It seems I'm the only one out ... at least in the responses I've been growing Ginkos for many years and most of the times I just do what treeman does - pinch tender growth to 1 or 2 leaves, but this year I've defoliated two older of my Ginkos (20+ years) and the new leaves are only a little/marginal smaller then before. If you after leave size reduction, you'll have better results with placing your tree in a very high light level and not too shaded area, well watering will help too.

Ramification is best achieved by clip and grow, but will take a long time due to the slow growing.

In short ... it can be done and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's done it?!

Cheers, Rudi