Well now, if you’re lookin’ to plant a ginkgo tree in your yard, you might’ve heard folks talkin’ about two types: ‘Princeton Sentry’ and ‘Autumn Gold.’ Both of them got their own way of growin’ and lookin’, but they ain’t exactly the same. So let’s sit down and chat about the differences between these two. You know, it’s always good to know what you’re gettin’ before you start plantin’.
‘Princeton Sentry’, now that one’s somethin’ else. It’s a tree that stands up real tall and narrow, almost like a church steeple. When it grows up, it can reach anywhere from 40 to 50 feet high, and the spread? Well, it don’t spread out too wide, just 25 to 30 feet across. So if you’re short on space, this one’s a good pick. It’s what they call columnar, which means it’s narrow but still tall. The leaves are the same fan shape you get from most ginkgoes, but when fall rolls around, they sure do turn a nice golden-yellow. You’ll see that vibrant color all over the tree when the leaves drop. And, mind you, this here is a male cultivar, which means it won’t make them messy seeds like the female trees. Ain’t nobody wantin’ to clean that up!
Now, the ‘Autumn Gold’ tree, she’s a bit different. Like ‘Princeton Sentry,’ she also grows to about 40 to 50 feet tall, but this one’s a little more spread out. The canopy—well, it don’t sit so tight like the ‘Princeton Sentry.’ It’s got a bit more room to spread, makin’ it a good choice if you want a tree that’ll fill out a bit more in your yard. The leaves of ‘Autumn Gold’ are the classic ginkgo shape, but there’s a slight difference. Instead of the regular fan shape, ‘Autumn Gold’ has a more V-shaped leaf. It’s still a ginkgo, but it’s got that little twist to it, makes it stand out just a bit from the rest. And this one’s male too, so you won’t have to worry about any messy seeds falling everywhere.
So, what’s the best choice for your yard? Well, it really depends on what you’re lookin’ for. If you need a tree that don’t take up too much space but still grows tall and proud, ‘Princeton Sentry’ might be the one. It’s got that nice, tight shape that fits in places where other trees might be too wide. But if you got a little more room and want a tree that’s gonna spread out a bit more, ‘Autumn Gold’ might do ya just fine. The way the leaves change color in fall, they’ll light up your whole yard, makin’ it look like a golden dream.
Both of ’em are sturdy trees though, and they don’t need a whole lotta fuss. Ginkgo trees are tough, you know. They’ll handle the weather and soil just fine, whether it’s dry or wet. So long as they got a little sun and some space to grow, you’re in business.
Let’s talk about the leaves a little bit more, shall we? Ginkgo trees, no matter which type you pick, are known for them fan-shaped leaves. They’re special because they don’t look like other trees. Come fall, you’ll see ’em turn that bright yellow color, and it’s somethin’ to behold. It’s like the tree’s dressin’ up for the party. And don’t forget, these trees are tough as nails, which is why people love ’em. They can survive in tough conditions, and their leaves are packed with those flavonoids and terpenoids that folks talk about. Don’t ask me what all that means, but I hear it’s real good for your health!
In conclusion, if you’re thinkin’ about plantin’ a ginkgo tree and can’t decide between ‘Princeton Sentry’ and ‘Autumn Gold,’ it really boils down to space and the look you want. Both are beautiful trees that will give you them lovely golden-yellow leaves in the fall, and both will thrive in a variety of conditions. Whether you want a narrow, upright tree or one that’s gonna spread out a bit more, you can’t go wrong with either one. Just pick the one that fits best in your yard and enjoy the show when fall comes around!
Tags:[Ginkgo, Princeton Sentry, Autumn Gold, Ginkgo Tree Comparison, Fall Colors, Male Ginkgo Cultivars, Landscaping Trees]