Why Does My Ginkgo Tree Looks Unhealthy?

Is the tissue on the leaf edge brown, then turning yellow as it moves toward the green center of the leaf?

Are there any fuzzy gray mold on leaves, flowers, buds, or fruit?

Does the tree lacks vigor and shows signs of drought stress regardless of the watering regime?

Bacterial leaf scorch is caused by a bacteria that causes ginkgo leaves to turn brown and fall off the tree. Although the tree may grow normal leaves the following year, the disease will reappear on new branches. Leaf scorch starts at the edges or margins of the leaf and produces browned edges while the center remains green. There is often a yellow band of tissue between the brown edges and the green center. There are no chemicals or cultural methods for treating bacterial leaf scorch. Pruning infected branches can only slow its spread.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Botrytis blight. You can prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Avoid wetting the foliage when watering. Prune off all infecter tree parts. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

Phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease of ginkgo that occurs occasionally. These soil-borne pathogens can cause a tree to die within a few years if not treated. Treating phytophthora root rot disease is possible. You should use fungicides containing the ingredient fosetyl-al. Follow label directions.

Yellow, stunted plants and roots that have swollen galls indicate root-knot nematodes. Other symptoms are plants wilting during bright, hot days. Add compost or peat to the soil to help the tree process nutrients. If they become badly infected, you’ll have to remove and destroy them. Prevent root-knot nematodes from infecting your ginkgo by buying a young tree from a reputable nursery and make sure it is certified to be a nematode-free plant.