Pest identification
What's eating my ginkgo 'mariken'?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky, curling new leaves in spring; sooty mold may follow on honeydew deposits
Control: Spray with a forceful water stream or insecticidal soap; repeat as needed through spring flush
Japanese beetles
Signs: Skeletonized leaf tissue between veins during summer; heavy infestations leave foliage brown
Control: Hand-collect beetles early in the morning; use neem oil or kaolin clay sprays as deterrents; never site pheromone traps near this small specimen
Deer
Signs: Browsed shoots and stripped bark on the dwarf leader, stunting the plant's naturally slow growth
Control: Wrap the plant in wire mesh or use deer repellent sprays during the growing season; physical barriers are most reliable
Keep ginkgo 'mariken' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ginkgo 'Mariken' pests — FAQ
What is eating my ginkgo 'mariken'?
Ginkgo 'Mariken', a compact dwarf cultivar, shares the species' strong natural pest resistance. Aphids occasionally target the flush of spring growth, and Japanese beetles may skim summer foliage. Because 'Mariken' stays small, deer browsing is a real concern for young plants in areas with deer pressure.
How do I get rid of aphids on ginkgo 'mariken'?
Sticky, curling new leaves in spring; sooty mold may follow on honeydew deposits Spray with a forceful water stream or insecticidal soap; repeat as needed through spring flush
How do I get rid of japanese beetles on ginkgo 'mariken'?
Skeletonized leaf tissue between veins during summer; heavy infestations leave foliage brown Hand-collect beetles early in the morning; use neem oil or kaolin clay sprays as deterrents; never site pheromone traps near this small specimen
How do I get rid of deer on ginkgo 'mariken'?
Browsed shoots and stripped bark on the dwarf leader, stunting the plant's naturally slow growth Wrap the plant in wire mesh or use deer repellent sprays during the growing season; physical barriers are most reliable