Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Ginkgo · Ginkgo biloba

Why does my Ginkgo have spots on its leaves?

Seeing spots on your Ginkgo foliage is often a sign of a fungal infection, especially after a long stretch of wet weather. Check your tree for moisture levels and air circulation to see if that is the culprit.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for fungal growth.
  2. Check if the tree is crowded by other plants.
  3. Look for standing water around the base of the trunk.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see brown or black spots scattered across the leaves, often appearing after heavy rain. The spots might grow larger if the humidity stays high.

    What to do: Remove and destroy any fallen leaves to stop the fungus from spreading. Prune away crowded branches to improve airflow, which helps the foliage dry out faster.

  2. Poor Air Circulation

    Possible

    How to tell: Leaves remain damp for long periods because the tree is planted too close to other structures or plants. This creates the perfect environment for fungal spores to thrive.

    What to do: Thin out the inner branches of your Ginkgo to allow wind to pass through the canopy. Ensure the tree has enough space from other plants to breathe.

Leaf spots on 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

It is normal to see a few spots after a very rainy season, but if the entire tree is covered and losing leaves, you should take action. Serious infections can weaken the tree over time.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around the base of your tree clear of debris and ensure it gets plenty of direct sun to dry the leaves quickly.

Ginkgo: spots? 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I use a fungicide?
Usually, good pruning and cleanup are enough. Only use a fungicide if the infection is severe and recurring every year.
Will the spots go away?
No, the damaged spots will remain on the leaves until they fall off. Focus on keeping the new growth healthy.

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.