As one of our favorite trees for the Bay Area, Ginkgo biloba is also one of the oldest trees in existence. It features a broad symmetrical crown and can often be found in urban landscapes and many public spaces because it has virtually no insect or disease weaknesses. This eye-catching tree has distinctive foliage with parallel venation in the unique fan-shaped leaves with a spur attachment point. In the fall, these iconic leaves turn a brilliant, stunning yellow, and drop in unison. The result is an easy cleanup. Since the tree is dioecious, with male and female reproductive organs in separate trees, it’s important to choose a cultivar such as ‘Princeton Sentry’ or ‘Autumn Gold’. These varieties don’t have the smelly fruit of the female tree.