🌳 The Ginkgo Tree: Nature’s Living Fossil with a Future in Essex
- KateDawes
- Oct 22
- 3 min read
The Ginkgo tree isn’t just ancient - it’s extraordinary. As we work toward establishing the UK’s first Ginkgo forest through our Meaningful Mortgages campaign with Markshall, we’re diving into the fascinating facts, quirks, and questions surrounding this remarkable species.
Markshall | Well Financial 👈Click here to Register for your mortgage advice consultation and fund a Ginkgo tree at no cost to you!
Why Is the Ginkgo Tree So Special?
The Ginkgo biloba is often called a “living fossil,” having survived unchanged for over 200 million years. It’s the only remaining species in its plant division, making it biologically unique.

What Are Three Facts About Ginkgo Trees?
Ginkgo trees can live for over 1,000 years.
They’re incredibly resilient, some even survived the Hiroshima bombing.
Their fan-shaped leaves turn a brilliant yellow in autumn, creating stunning seasonal displays.
What Is Special About Ginkgo Trees in the UK?
While rare, Ginkgo trees thrive in the UK’s temperate climate. Establishing a forest here would, *we think*, be a national first, blending heritage conservation with environmental innovation.
What Is the Significance of a Ginkgo Tree?
Ginkgo trees symbolize endurance, hope, and longevity. In many cultures, they’re planted near temples or memorials to represent resilience and peace.
Why Don’t You Want a Female Ginkgo Tree?
Female Ginkgo trees produce fruit that, while edible, emits a strong, unpleasant smell when it falls and decays. Most urban plantings use male trees to avoid this issue.
What Is the Lifespan of a Ginkgo Tree?
Ginkgo trees can live for hundreds, and sometimes thousands of years. Their slow growth and disease resistance contribute to their incredible longevity.
Markshall | Well Financial 👈Click here to Register for your mortgage advice consultation and fund a Ginkgo tree at no cost to you!
Can You Grow a Ginkgo Tree in the UK?
Absolutely. Ginkgo trees are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for many UK gardens and landscapes.
Can Ginkgo Trees Survive Winter?
Yes. They’re remarkably frost-tolerant and can withstand cold UK winters without issue.
Where Is the Best Place to Plant a Ginkgo Tree?
Ginkgo's prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They’re ideal for parks, large gardens, or estate grounds like Markshall.
Is It Worth Planting a Ginkgo Tree?
If you value beauty, resilience, and environmental impact: yes. Ginkgo's are low-maintenance and offer long-term benefits.
How Much Is a 1,000-Year-Old Ginkgo Tree Worth?
While priceless in ecological and cultural terms, ancient Ginkgo's are rarely sold. Their value lies in heritage, not market price.
Markshall | Well Financial 👈Click here to Register for your mortgage advice consultation and fund a Ginkgo tree at no cost to you!
What Are the Downsides of Ginkgo Trees?
Despite their strengths, Ginkgo's have a few quirks.
Who Should Avoid Ginkgo?
People with bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning medication should avoid Ginkgo supplements, as they may increase bleeding risk.
Is Ginkgo a Good Garden Tree?
Yes, for larger spaces. They grow tall and wide, so they’re best suited to open areas rather than small gardens.
What Are the Disadvantages of Ginkgo?
Female trees produce smelly fruit.
They grow slowly.
Their leaves drop all at once, which can create a brief cleanup challenge.
🌱 Final Thoughts
The Ginkgo tree is more than a botanical curiosity - it’s a symbol of resilience, a tool for environmental restoration, and a beautiful addition to our local landscape. Through our partnership with Marks Hall Estate, every mortgage completed helps plant the seeds of a greener future - literally.
Let’s grow something meaningful together. Markshall | Well Financial Click here to register for your mortgage advice consultation and fund a Ginkgo tree at no cost to you!






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