Katsura and Ginkgo Planting Locations

12 years ago

I thought I was set but now that I dug the holes I'm second guessing whether I should swap locations.

Area 1

- Compacted

- Sandy and many fist sized rocks

- Well drained

- Not as very moisture retentive

Area 2

- Loamy sand with

- Some fist sized rocks

- Good moisture retention

Easy right? Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' goes to area 1 and Katsura goes to area 2. Well maybe not. Area 1 is lightly shaded from the east and completly shaded from the south, so it only receives good direct sun from 4pm to sunset.

Do I take my chances with the not so optimal soil conditions with the Katsura or put the Ginkgo in a partially shaded area?

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Comments (8)

IanW Zone 5 Ont. Can.
12 years ago
My opinion is to put the Katsura in area 2 since they require damp conditions and are more sensitive to drought (ie the leaves will brown around the edges)....Ginkgos are more tolerant of their growing conditions...
whaas_5a
Original Author
12 years ago
Thats what I'm thinking...it will be full blast sun on the Katsura and partial shade on the Ginkgo though. I can't seem to win with this one!

Maybe I'll just dig a 10' wide hole in area one, lol.
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I'm vacillating about your choice as well, primarily from my experience with them. I've planted them twice and both were failures and I'm not one to often fail with trees. The first one was in full sun, planted young and purchased as container stock. It just took forever to put on any height at all and basically was the same size three years later as when I planted it. I side/planted it with a witch hazel (I often will plant a second tree next to one I suspect will need to be replaced) who cranked so fast it left the katsura in a trail of dust and I whacked the katsura off at ground level to allow the witch hazel to grow unimpeded. I tried it again in a semi-shaded area I thought would have better moisture retention, but good drainage. It grew in an uninspired manner as an understory tree for a few years and frankly I have so many trees now that I forgot about it. I went looking for it this spring and didn't see it. I dunno if the partner who does almost all of the tree maintenance just took it out or not. I also love the appearance of katsura, and have seen some lovely ones in the circumstances similar to what you have in mind. They are cheap enough to give it a try that you won't be out much monetarily if it doesn't work, but you might sacrifice years in waiting to see if it does, and then replanting a different tree and waiting until it sizes.
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While I certainly can't rule out some root issues or girdling without digging up the tree, I don't see evidence of this on the trunk (ie. compressed on one side etc). Also I don't mean that is has not grown at all, but it has not really grown taller. Nearly all growth has been lateral, and even downward. Plus it's foliage is dense for a Ginkgo. I also see that I didn't make clear enough that the "flopping over" is the trunk bending over and no longer supporting itself, despite having more than doubled in caliper since the first measurement 5 years ago. I also failed to indicate that this tree is about 6.5' tall. I have attached the only picture I have available with me at this moment so that you can see more clearly. I didn't attach it before, due to the picture being back light making it somewhat difficult to see what is going on. Sorry for the poor quality. Still there are branches growing downward clearly visible. There has also been significant side ward growth this season, but NOTHING upward. Thanks to you all Alley_cat, Dax, and Sara. This is exactly what I need. People to help me think it through. It is much appreciated. Arktrees
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Don't root prune or tear up roots now. But repot into a slightly larger pot, without disturbing the roots too much. Then when it is dormant next winter you can bare root the plant if you want prune roots if you like and plant in another container. As for its location I think if you water it regularly in your mild summer climate it can handle the sun. Katsura is regarded as one of the more sun / heat tolerant varieties.
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mustard_seeds
12 years ago
How hard is it to get supplemental water to area 1? those Katsura sure don't like it dry.
whaas_5a
Original Author
12 years ago
Fairly easy...I set up a new system for watering at this house.

I set up y's off the spigots and ran grey hoses against the fondation and then I'll wheel a rapid reel to one of the four locations where I have a water hook-up around the house.

Maybe it won't get too dry with all the shading from the south. Now that I think about it, in 10 years the little 3' Plantanus x acerifolia 'Morton Circle' I planted will shade from the west...looks like I just answered my own question!

ians and mustard, thanks for the replies.
mustard_seeds
12 years ago
Sounds like a plan. Watering everything the next couple of years will be a priority anyway for you, so the tree should do well! Do you mix a little compost into the hole soil when you plant?
whaas_5a
Original Author
12 years ago
Here they are! The Katsura is a little tough to see from the pic I took from inside.

{{gwi:364876}}

{{gwi:364877}}
mustard_seeds
12 years ago
wow, that is a nice sized gingko!
whaas_5a
Original Author
12 years ago
Isn't it!?!

I paid $169...I was pretty excited when I found it.
Good shape to boot. .

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Katsura and Ginkgo Planting Locations

Comments (8)

IanW Zone 5 Ont. Can.

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Katsura and Ginkgo Planting Locations

Comments (8)

IanW Zone 5 Ont. Can.

whaas_5aOriginal Author

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