Rachel's Journal

Rachel I have a Gingko which is doing well and slow growing but I planted it in front of a dirt bank to keep the wind from it. As the leaves are akin to maidenhair fern I figured that the wind might hurt it. Also it is in the path of the overflow from the pond so I know it likes a fair amount of water. However it could be wind damage. My beautiful twisted willow got hit in spring first from the west and then the east and the poor thing has a swathe of new green at the top but the lower branches are black. It is sad and frustrating when one loses plants. Have a look at the leaves with a magnifying glass to make sure there aren't any of those leaf eating morons attacking it. I love the Gingko it is such a dainty tree. Don't know if this helps as I am no professional but I know that Irish wind causes damage.

It doesnt look UNHEALTHY. Surely that's the main thing? If you only planted it last year, maybe you should give it another year or two, before deciding whether or not to get rid of it.

Ginko have a habit of looking 'mangy' when young and have very few leaves anyway, I often see them in garden centres and they always look rather unimpressive. But for a tree thats been around since the dinosaurs then it has plenty of survival instincts! Unless theres obvious signs of disease I would'nt worry too much, I'd give it a good feed and plenty of water on a regular basis, water not being a problem at the minute.

Thanks, guys. Not sure what I might do about the wind but will try a bit of a feed and water it in. I won't be digging it up yet, Jacinta - I'm not that hasty. I have enough space to adopt a 'wait and see' attitude.