Pest identification
What's eating my ginkgo 'autumn gold'?
Aphids
Signs: Small soft insects on spring new growth; leaf distortion and sticky honeydew on lower foliage; sooty mold may follow
Control: Hose off with water; apply insecticidal soap to heavily infested shoots; natural predators typically bring populations down without intervention
Caterpillars (various)
Signs: Ragged holes in fan-shaped leaves; frass on branches and ground below; rarely severe enough to defoliate a mature tree
Control: Hand-pick small infestations; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavier outbreaks; monitor in late spring when larvae are young
Keep ginkgo 'autumn gold' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' pests — FAQ
What is eating my ginkgo 'autumn gold'?
Ginkgo 'Autumn Gold' is remarkably pest-resistant — one of the most trouble-free landscape trees. Occasional aphids appear on young shoots in spring, and caterpillars may nibble foliage. Deer rarely bother mature ginkgos. Serious infestations are uncommon; the main watchpoint is aphid colonies on new growth in the first few years after planting.
How do I get rid of aphids on ginkgo 'autumn gold'?
Small soft insects on spring new growth; leaf distortion and sticky honeydew on lower foliage; sooty mold may follow Hose off with water; apply insecticidal soap to heavily infested shoots; natural predators typically bring populations down without intervention
How do I get rid of caterpillars (various) on ginkgo 'autumn gold'?
Ragged holes in fan-shaped leaves; frass on branches and ground below; rarely severe enough to defoliate a mature tree Hand-pick small infestations; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavier outbreaks; monitor in late spring when larvae are young