2008-10-25|All of Ottawa's ash trees will die within 15 years, city officials told
To the editor
Ginkgo biloba is the most ancient living tree on Earth, dating back over 200 million years. It is often called a "living fossil" for good reason. Its leaves are fan-like, two-lobed, and turn yellow in the fall. The resistance of the trees to pests such as insects, bacteria, viruses, and fungi has been well studied and documented. The remarkable resistance to disease, pollution and insects accounts for the longevity of the trees, and also for the longevity of the species.
Ginkgo biloba is available locally as an ornamental tree. I planted my Ginkgo biloba tree on the front yard of my house when my son François was born in 1989. There has been no sign of disease or damage since then. In fact, I have not seen any insects on its leaves or on its bark. I grind the leaves and ingest the powder orally for its health benefits.
The city should replace any dead tree with Ginkgo biloba.
