Whether you think they smell like diapers, spoiled meat or yesterday’s garbage, all Georgetown residents will agree that gingko trees may be beautiful with their fan-like leaves, but, oof, they sure can give off an awful stench.
Why?
The female trees are notorious for the strong odor their fruits give off as they begin growing this time of year. By the fall, the fruit has ripened, and by November, the wrinkly and yellow grapes drop to the sidewalk, leaving every opportunity for passerby to step on them, squeeze them or terrorize others with the rancid aroma.
Luckily, we can thank the District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Administration for beginning to spray the trees in our neighborhood this evening. When the Shield-EC chemical hits the trees, it will prevent spreading the unpleasant scent of the fruit.
According to the DDOT, you do not need to move your cars. But be advised the spraying will begin on the following Georgetown streets:
R St between 27th and 31st Streets
Avon Place South of R Street
Cambridge Place
26th Street between East Place and O Street 27th Street from Poplar Street to Olive Street
Olive Street from 27th Street to 30th Street
Potomac Street from O Street to M Street
Prospect Street between 36th and 37th Streets
