When it comes to choosing a distinctive, resilient, and beautiful addition to your landscape, the ginkgo tree may be the right tree for homeowners looking for something different in the St. Louis area and throughout Missouri. With its fan-shaped leaves, exceptional hardiness, and brilliant fall color, the ginkgo offers something truly unique compared to the more common shade tree species found in St. Louis area neighborhoods. Whether you live in St. Charles, Chesterfield, Florissant, or anywhere in the metro region, the ginkgo provides a blend of beauty and durability that many homeowners find irresistible, all of which means the ginkgo tree may be the right tree for homeowners looking for something different, especially for those wanting a low-maintenance, long-lived tree that stands out from other species.

A Tree With a One-of-a-Kind History

One of the many reasons the ginkgo tree may be the right tree for homeowners looking for something different is its incredible history. The ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is often called a “living fossil” because it is the last surviving member of an ancient plant family dating back more than 200 million years. While Missouri landscapes typically feature native maples, oaks, and elms, the ginkgo offers an unusual and exotic flair.

Its leaves, broad, fan-shaped, and gently scalloped, set it apart visually from most other tree species commonly found in the St. Louis area or throughout the Midwest.

A Perfect Fit for Missouri’s Climate

Even though the ginkgo is not native to Missouri, its adaptability is a major reason the ginkgo tree may be the right tree for homeowners looking for something different and easy to care for. Missouri’s climate can be unpredictable, hot summers, freezing winters, sudden storms, periods of drought, and the ginkgo handles all of it remarkably well.

Climate & environmental advantages:

• Drought tolerant once established
• Thrives in urban and suburban soils, even compacted areas
• Handles heat and humidity of St. Louis summers
• Resistant to air pollution and road salt
• Performs well in both sun and light shade

This toughness makes the ginkgo a reliable choice for homeowners who want a standout tree without the high maintenance or disease concerns of more fragile ornamental species.

Low Maintenance and Exceptionally Long-Lived

Another reason the ginkgo may be an excellent choice for homeowners looking for something different is its low-maintenance nature. Ginkgos have very few pest or disease issues, making them significantly easier to manage than species like birches, ashes, or flowering pears.

Advantages for busy Missouri homeowners:

• Minimal pruning required
• Durable, flexible, break-resistant wood
• Strong branch structure, even in storms
• Rarely affected by insects or fungal diseases
• Long lifespan; ginkgos can live for centuries

For families who want a shade tree that can grow with them, and possibly outlast the home itself, the ginkgo is an exceptional investment.

Brilliant Fall Color That Stuns Every Year

Perhaps no feature is more beloved than the ginkgo’s stunning fall display. As cooler weather settles into the St. Louis area, ginkgo leaves turn a vivid, golden yellow. Then, in one dramatic moment, sometimes within just 24 hours, a ginkgo’s leaves often fall all at once, blanketing the lawn in a bright, golden carpet.

For homeowners wanting a tree with real visual drama, the ginkgo tree may be the right tree for homeowners looking for something different, offering a reliable burst of seasonal color that feels magical year after year.

Choosing the Right Ginkgo: Why Male Cultivars Matter

Most homeowners choose male cultivars, which do not produce the foul-smelling fruit associated with female ginkgo trees. Fortunately, reputable nurseries across Missouri offer excellent male varieties that grow beautifully in our region.

Recommended options include:

• ‘Princeton Sentry’ — Columnar shape; ideal for narrow spaces
• ‘Autumn Gold’ — Classic form with intense fall color
• ‘Magyar’ — Upright, symmetrical shape
• ‘Fairmount’ — Strong structure; great for larger yards

Selecting the right cultivar ensures even greater satisfaction with your tree over the long term.

Landscape Uses That Shine Across the St. Louis Region

Because of its adaptability and beauty, the ginkgo works well in many landscape designs:

• As a front yard focal point
• Lining driveways or property borders
• In urban streetscapes where pollution is an issue
• Near patios or outdoor living areas as a shade tree
• As a statement tree in modern or traditional garden designs

Its versatility is another reason the ginkgo deserves strong consideration by homeowners looking for something different as they plan new plantings or landscape updates.

Thinking About Planting a Ginkgo? Hansen’s Can Help!

If you’re exploring new tree options for your St. Charles or St. Louis–area home and believe the ginkgo tree may be right for you and your home, the certified arborists at Hansen’s Tree Service are ready to help. We can evaluate your yard, recommend the best cultivar, ensure proper planting, and provide ongoing care to keep your tree healthy for decades to come.

Contact Hansen’s Tree Service today to schedule a consultation and discover whether the ginkgo is the perfect addition to your home’s landscape.