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Ginkgo · Ginkgo biloba

Why is my Ginkgo losing its leaves?

Ginkgo trees are famous for dropping all their leaves at once in the fall, which is perfectly normal. If they are dropping in the middle of summer, however, your tree is likely telling you it is stressed.

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Check these first

  1. Check the current season to see if it is autumn.
  2. Feel the soil moisture level at the base of the tree.
  3. Look for signs of pests or disease on the fallen leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Drought Stress

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn yellow or brown and fall off prematurely during a hot, dry summer. The soil around the tree will feel bone dry to the touch.

    What to do: Water the tree deeply every 7 to 14 days during dry periods. Make sure the water reaches deep into the root zone rather than just wetting the surface.

  2. Seasonal Change

    Most likely

    How to tell: The leaves turn a beautiful, uniform golden yellow before falling off in late autumn. This happens as the tree prepares for winter dormancy.

    What to do: Do nothing, as this is a natural part of the Ginkgo life cycle. Enjoy the beautiful fall color before the tree goes to sleep for the winter.

Leaf drop in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ginkgo

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the leaves fall in late autumn, it is perfectly normal. If they drop in July or August, your tree is suffering from lack of water or heat stress.

Stopping it coming back

Maintain a consistent watering schedule during the summer months to prevent the tree from drying out.

Ginkgo: leaf drop? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your ginkgo and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Is it normal for my Ginkgo to lose leaves in one day?
Yes, Ginkgo trees are known for their spectacular, rapid leaf drop once the first frost hits. It is a unique and beautiful trait.
Should I fertilize if the leaves fall early?
No, do not fertilize a stressed tree. Focus on proper watering and wait until the following spring to consider any nutrients.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ginkgo

Back to the Ginkgo guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.