Smelly Gingko tree

Hello. We have very very fertile gingko tree in front of the house on the sidewalk. The beautiful tree produces hundreds of fruits a week ( not kidding) and it’s all over the sidewalk creating unbearable rancid smell and sticky mess. It’s a nuisance to the whole block. The tree belongs to the city. Does the city bear the responsibility to clean the mess? Quick internet research says that in DC, block residents can do a petition to remove the tree and plant a different one. Is there any such possibilities in NYC? Any advice on how to deal with the stink and fruits and the tree in general in appreciated.

kaanu

in General Discussion 6 years and 6 months ago

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helen40

in General Discussion 6 years and 6 months ago

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you are out of luck. the city does not plant new female ginkos, which produce fruit, but as others have noted, they will not cut down a healthy tree. stiff broom and a hose are your best bet for cleaning the stinky berries.

daveinbedstuy | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Ginko nuts are prized throughout Asia and a delicacy. I’ve had them grilled over a fire in Japanese Yakitori places and they are quite good. We have a ton of those trees down here in Philadelphia and on streets with a lot of them you’ll oftentimes find old Asian ladies collecting them. But yeah, when you step on them they smell like dog sh!t

MDR | 6 years and 6 months ago

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They are cool trees but yes they can be pretty messy and stinky. The fruiting seems to be very variable though – there is one a block from me that made a mess last year but this year has no fruit whatsoever. So hopefully you’re just having a tough year and it will be better next year.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 6 years and 6 months ago

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However, cutting it down IS illegal.

Guest User | 6 years and 6 months ago

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I think you should cut it. 🙂

resident2 | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Beauty comes with sacrifice. And sometimes some hard work.
It is only for a short time, if it really bothers you, sweep and bag them and perhaps hose the sidewalk down.
It is better just to grin & bare it and enjoy the fall colors.

NeoGrec | 6 years and 6 months ago

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Gingko trees are one of the most ancient life forms in existence — literally hundreds of million years old. That makes them incredibly hardy in polluted urban environments, hence their popularity with cities choosing street trees. They are so adaptable that when several municipalities removed their female gingkoes and replaced them with male specimens, they discovered that gingkoes can spontaneously change sex! In our neighborhood, elderly Chinese American ladies come and harvest intact fruits — although that still leaves plenty more to stink up the sidewalk. I read that, in DC, people shake the trees to knock down the fruits before they ripen. Of course, you can always get out your broom and sweep ’em up. These are amazing survivors and deserve a little respect!

yudashasom | 6 years and 6 months ago

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No, the city will not cut down a tree if it’s healthy and not obstructing construction or utility work. Was this tree recently planted, or has it been there since before you arrived? Street trees are important, and I couldn’t imagine having one cut down because it smells or drops fruit.