There are people who enjoy urban foraging, but I am not one of them. My thought when I see Ginkgo trees is awe at their status as "living fossils." They are a link with the time of the dinosaurs. I love their fan-shaped leaves, which I have seen replicated in fabric prints and jewelry
They are a favored street tree for their stately form and ability to resist pests and diseases. But landscapers are warned to make sure they get only male tree to avoid the stinky fruit problem. Make sure to take a good look at the next Ginkgo you encounter, but look down before looking up!
--Bernice
I don't know who thought the Ginko trees were a good idea, but they are ugly, and a mess in the fall. If you're not careful you'll slip on the debris and hurt yourself. Please, no more Ginko trees. The city should be responsible for the cleanup as these trees are only between the sidewalks and the street and considered city property.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked at the Plainfield Fire Department in the '70's and early '80's, one of the housekeeping duties during the ginkgo fruit season was to hook a hose to the hydrant by the parking lot and wash down walks, driveways and street on the West Fourth Street side of the building. We had a female ginkgo there and the smell was horrible, both outside and inside the building. Couldn't open the windows on that side of the building! Beautiful tree but terrible odor. The tree was finally cut down and replaced.
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