How to Trim a Golden Gingko

Hello Fellow Bonsai Pilgrims -

Attached are photos of a Golden Gingko - colloquial name - that I acquired last year. It's growing out nicely and just beginning to leaf this Spring. Do how best to shape it? I've made a couple of cuts to the upper branches to shorten, but now i'm stuck. Should I make more cuts now since the tree's structure is clearly visible? Or wait for more leaves? The 90 degree upper branches also seem a bit odd. Thoughts please. Thanks.

Bob[img]

Oops, no photos. Can't get the photo uploader to work. What am I doing wrong?

Bonsai Pilgrims - Hope these photos make it!

Bob


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Bob, I'd reduce that second trunk considerably and do some selective thinning and cutting back on the other one. Styling ginkgos is different from other deciduous trees. There is some good info already here, type "ginkgo" in the search bar.

yes. I think cutting it
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Russ / Tap - I thought about reducing the second trunk or even eliminating it. But I can't remember the last time that I saw a double trunk gingko, so I decided to keep it. I will reconsider your kind suggestions.

Tap's on the right track, but I'd go back farther than that. It's the only way to build ramification and correct porportions. As you can see with your tree, ginkgos break new growth close to the cut. I like the twin trunk design, it adds a lot of interest.

Russ - So you would (or would not) cut the second trunk? If it is reduced a lot, than it should probably be eliminated entirely. Hence, no double trunk! ...on the horns of a dilemma! I made some cuts this year to the prime trunk. So I guess I'm inclilned to see how it grows out (with all leaves) this entire season...then do something next year. It's called indecision or kicking the can! Thanks.

I am with Russell on this one. Cut both trunks back a lot, the left one a little lower than the right. Select a top shoot on each from those that develop after the chops to form new apeces. Grow on out. Make sure the chops are at the back of the new apeces: they will take a long time to heal over.
Oliver

Oliver - Thanks for your input!

Russell Coker wrote:I like the twin trunk design, it adds a lot of interest.

I didn't say to remove the smaller trunk, nor would I if it were mine. But I would cut it back hard to start a new leader and some lower branching. It's too long and nothing going on, but that's fixable.

The cuts you've made so far haven't accomplished anything, and leaving it the way it is right now until next year is a waste of a year imho. But it's your tree to do with as you see fit. You have a tree there with lots of potential, good luck with it.

Thanks again, Russ!

I just want to share with you some of my gingko trees.
First one i bought from local nursery for $20.
Second and third one i planted from seed.

aab900 - thanks. Have you cut any of your trees? It doesn't look like it.