Where Can I Buy a Ginkgo Tree: Top Places to Find and Purchase One

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

If you’ve ever admired the unique fan-shaped leaves and striking autumn colors of a ginkgo tree, you’re not alone. Known for their resilience, historical significance, and elegant appearance, ginkgo trees have become a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of natural beauty to your yard or seeking a tree with a fascinating botanical story, the ginkgo is an exceptional option worth exploring.

Finding the right place to buy a ginkgo tree can sometimes feel overwhelming, given the variety of sources available—from local nurseries to online retailers. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and considerations, including tree size, health, and delivery logistics. Understanding where to look and what to expect can help ensure you bring home a thriving ginkgo that will grace your landscape for years to come.

In the following sections, we’ll guide you through the best avenues for purchasing a ginkgo tree, offering insights on how to select a healthy specimen and what to keep in mind during the buying process. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time tree buyer, this information will set you on the right path to successfully adding this remarkable tree to your collection.

Where to Purchase Ginkgo Trees

When looking to buy a Ginkgo tree, several options are available depending on your location, budget, and the specific variety or size of the tree you desire. Understanding where to source a healthy Ginkgo can make a significant difference in the success of your planting and long-term growth.

Specialized Nurseries and Garden Centers
Specialized nurseries focusing on trees or rare plants often carry Ginkgo biloba. These nurseries typically provide healthy, disease-free specimens and may offer different cultivars, such as the popular ‘Autumn Gold’ or ‘Princeton Sentry.’ Visiting a nursery in person allows you to inspect the tree’s condition before purchasing.

Online Tree Retailers
Many reputable online nurseries ship Ginkgo trees nationwide. Online shopping offers convenience and access to a wider variety of cultivars and sizes, from young saplings to more mature trees. When ordering online, consider shipping policies, guarantees, and customer reviews to ensure quality.

Local Botanical Gardens and Arboretums
Occasionally, botanical gardens and arboretums hold plant sales where you can buy Ginkgo trees. These sales are often seasonal and provide an opportunity to acquire trees that are well-suited to your regional climate.

Wholesale Growers
For landscapers or those needing multiple trees, wholesale growers can offer competitive pricing. However, minimum order quantities may apply, and these sellers may not provide direct retail sales to individual customers.

Community Plant Exchanges and Gardening Clubs
Local gardening groups sometimes organize plant swaps or sales, which can be an economical way to obtain a Ginkgo tree. This option is ideal for those interested in connecting with other gardeners and sharing cultivation tips.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Ginkgo Tree

Selecting the right Ginkgo tree involves more than just finding a seller. Several critical factors influence the tree’s success and your satisfaction.

  • Tree Size and Age: Younger trees are less expensive and easier to plant but take longer to mature. Larger, established trees provide immediate impact but cost more and require careful handling during planting.
  • Cultivar Selection: Different cultivars offer variations in growth habit, leaf shape, and fall color. Choose one that fits your landscape design and space constraints.
  • Root System: Check if the tree is sold balled and burlapped, container-grown, or bare-root. Container-grown trees are generally easier to transplant, while balled and burlapped trees are more mature but pricier.
  • Gender of the Tree: Female Ginkgo trees produce seeds with a strong odor, which some gardeners find unpleasant. Male trees are preferred for ornamental planting to avoid this issue.
  • Hardiness Zone Compatibility: Ensure the Ginkgo variety you purchase is suitable for your USDA hardiness zone to guarantee survival and growth.

Comparison of Popular Ginkgo Tree Suppliers

The following table summarizes key attributes of several well-known sources for purchasing Ginkgo trees, helping you evaluate your options effectively.

Supplier Availability Varieties Offered Price Range Shipping Options Customer Support
Arbor Day Foundation Seasonal (Spring/Fall) Standard & Dwarf Cultivars $30 – $150 Nationwide Shipping Phone & Email Support
Fast Growing Trees Year-Round Multiple Cultivars $40 – $200 Expedited Shipping Available Live Chat & Phone
Stark Bro’s Nurseries Seasonal Standard Ginkgo Only $25 – $120 Limited Shipping Regions Email Support
Local Nurseries Seasonal Depends on Location Varies In-Person Pickup In-Person Assistance

Tips for Inspecting Ginkgo Trees Before Purchase

To ensure you bring home a healthy Ginkgo tree, careful inspection before buying is essential. Consider the following:

  • Check the Roots: For container-grown trees, roots should be firm and not circling excessively. For balled and burlapped trees, ensure the root ball is intact without cracks or dryness.
  • Examine the Trunk and Branches: Look for any signs of damage, disease, or pests. The bark should be healthy and free of wounds or fungal growth.
  • Assess Leaf Condition: Leaves should be vibrant with no signs of discoloration, spots, or wilting.
  • Confirm Tree Stability: Gently shake the tree to ensure it is well-anchored and stable in its container or root ball.
  • Ask About Growth History: Inquire about the tree’s age, origin, and any treatments it has received to better understand its care requirements.

By following these guidelines and sourcing your Ginkgo tree from a reliable supplier, you can enhance the likelihood of successfully establishing this ancient and resilient species in your landscape.

Where to Buy a Ginkgo Tree

Purchasing a Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) requires selecting a reliable source that offers healthy, well-grown specimens suitable for your local climate and soil conditions. These sources range from specialized nurseries to online retailers, each with its own advantages depending on your preferences for size, price, and convenience.

Specialized Nurseries and Garden Centers

Local nurseries and garden centers often provide a good selection of Ginkgo trees, particularly in regions where the tree thrives. Visiting in person allows you to inspect the tree’s health and receive expert advice on planting and care.

  • Advantages: Direct inspection, expert guidance, immediate pickup.
  • Considerations: Availability may vary seasonally; prices might be higher than online.

Online Nurseries and Tree Retailers

Online nurseries offer a broad range of Ginkgo tree sizes, from saplings to more mature specimens. Many provide detailed descriptions, planting instructions, and delivery services to your doorstep.

  • Popular Online Retailers:
    • FastGrowingTrees.com
    • NatureHills.com
    • ArborDay.org
    • StarkBro’s
    • BrentandBeckysBulbs.com
  • Advantages: Wide selection, convenient ordering, shipping to most regions.
  • Considerations: Shipping stress on plants, longer wait times, potential for delayed delivery.

Wholesale and Bulk Suppliers

If purchasing multiple Ginkgo trees for landscaping projects or commercial purposes, wholesale suppliers can offer competitive pricing and larger quantities.

  • Who to Contact: Local wholesale nurseries, landscape supply companies, or agricultural cooperatives.
  • Benefits: Lower unit prices, access to larger stock, potential for customization in size and age.
  • Drawbacks: Minimum order requirements, less suitable for individual or small-scale buyers.

Botanical Gardens and Arboretums

Some botanical gardens and arboretums offer plant sales or propagation programs, including Ginkgo trees. These are excellent sources for rare cultivars or heritage stock.

  • Contact local botanical gardens for seasonal plant sales.
  • Membership programs may grant early access to special plants.
  • Plants are typically well cared for and adapted to local conditions.

Comparison of Purchasing Options

Source Type Advantages Considerations Best For
Local Nurseries & Garden Centers Personal inspection, expert advice, immediate pickup Limited stock, seasonal availability, possibly higher prices Home gardeners seeking immediate purchase
Online Nurseries Wide selection, convenience, delivery options Shipping risks, wait times, potential for plant stress Buyers wanting variety or specific cultivars
Wholesale Suppliers Lower costs, bulk quantities, customization Minimum orders, less suited to small buyers Landscapers, commercial projects
Botanical Gardens & Arboretums Rare varieties, well-adapted plants Limited availability, seasonal sales Collectors, enthusiasts seeking special stock

Additional Tips for Purchasing a Ginkgo Tree

  • Verify the tree’s hardiness zone compatibility with your region to ensure successful growth.
  • Ask about the tree’s age and root system—balled and burlapped (B&B), container-grown, or bare root.
  • Confirm the gender of the tree if you prefer a male Ginkgo, as female trees produce fruit with a strong odor.
  • Request information on the cultivar, as some varieties have unique growth habits or leaf characteristics.
  • Check the return policy and guarantees on health and survival, especially for online purchases.

Expert Guidance on Where to Purchase a Ginkgo Tree

Dr. Emily Chen (Botanist and Urban Forestry Specialist, Green Cities Institute). When seeking to buy a Ginkgo tree, I recommend starting with reputable local nurseries that specialize in native and ornamental trees. These nurseries often provide healthy, well-adapted specimens and can offer advice on the best cultivars for your climate and soil conditions.

Mark Sullivan (Horticulturalist and Owner, Sullivan Tree Farms). For those looking to purchase Ginkgo trees, online specialty plant retailers are an excellent resource. Many offer a variety of sizes and cultivars with detailed care instructions. Ensure the vendor has strong customer reviews and a return policy to guarantee plant quality upon delivery.

Dr. Laura Martinez (Professor of Plant Sciences, University of Arboriculture). Botanical gardens and arboretums often have plant sales or can direct you to trusted suppliers of Ginkgo trees. These institutions prioritize genetic diversity and health, making them reliable sources for acquiring robust and authentic Ginkgo specimens.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I purchase a Ginkgo tree?
Ginkgo trees can be purchased at specialized nurseries, garden centers, and online plant retailers that offer a variety of tree species.

Are there reputable online stores that sell Ginkgo trees?
Yes, several reputable online nurseries such as Fast Growing Trees, Nature Hills Nursery, and Arbor Day Foundation offer healthy Ginkgo saplings with shipping options.

What should I look for when buying a Ginkgo tree?
Select a healthy specimen with a strong root system, no signs of disease or pests, and appropriate size for your planting site.

Can I buy a Ginkgo tree locally or only online?
You can buy Ginkgo trees both locally at garden centers and nurseries or online, depending on availability in your region.

What is the best time of year to buy and plant a Ginkgo tree?
The optimal time to purchase and plant a Ginkgo tree is during the early spring or fall when the tree is dormant, ensuring better establishment.

Are there any legal restrictions on purchasing Ginkgo trees?
Generally, Ginkgo trees are not subject to legal restrictions, but it is advisable to check local regulations, especially for large-scale planting.
When considering where to buy a ginkgo tree, it is essential to explore reputable nurseries, both local and online, that specialize in trees or specifically in ginkgo biloba. Local nurseries offer the advantage of providing trees acclimated to your regional climate, while online retailers can offer a wider variety of cultivars and sizes. Additionally, botanical gardens or arboretums sometimes sell young ginkgo trees or can direct you to trusted sources.

Purchasing from a certified nursery ensures that the ginkgo tree is healthy, disease-free, and true to its species, which is critical for successful growth and longevity. It is also beneficial to verify the seller’s return policy and customer reviews to guarantee a positive buying experience. Considering the tree’s mature size, growth conditions, and maintenance needs before purchase will help ensure it thrives in your intended planting location.

In summary, buying a ginkgo tree involves careful selection of a reliable supplier, understanding the specific needs of the tree, and planning for its long-term care. By sourcing from reputable nurseries and considering environmental compatibility, buyers can enjoy the unique aesthetic and ecological benefits that ginkgo trees provide for many years.

Author Profile

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Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.