Are you noticing a foul smell in your yard that resembles rancid butter and vomit? It may be coming from your ginkgo tree, especially if it’s a female tree. Ginkgo trees have male and female varieties, with the female producing fruit that emits a pungent odor once it ripens. While some cities spray female ginkgo trees to prevent fruit maturation, the best solution is to plant a male ginkgo tree or consider other non-smelly alternatives.
Plant male ginkgo trees instead to avoid foul smells
If you still want ginkgo trees without the odor, opt for a male variant like Autumn Gold or Lakeview to avoid the smelly fruit issue. While ginkgo trees can sometimes change sexes, it’s rare and usually occurs if a male tree grows a female branch. However, if you prefer a more reliable option, consider planting a crabapple tree as a beautiful and odor-free alternative.
Why crabapple trees are a better alternative
Choose a crabapple tree over ginkgo trees for a colorful display throughout the year with varieties ranging from pink and red to yellow and orange. Crabapples are easy to grow, attract birds like hummingbirds, and come in fruitless variants like Spring Snow. These trees grow faster than ginkgo trees and maintain their beauty without the mess of smelly fruit, making them a great addition to any yard.
