Unlike other trees in autumn, whose leaves fall over a span of a few weeks, most of the leaves of the Ginkgo tree fall all in one day--or less.  This process started last Sunday morning and was complete by the afternoon.  Its quite a site, all these bright gold leaves flittering, pitter pat, to the ground.  Interesting fact: the best time to harvest Ginkgo leaves for their therapeutic value is now, when the leaves are golden and fall to the ground.  Just maybe find a nice park, not a tree 20' from a main intersection in the city. This week, a full week later, I decided instead of removing the leaves I will mow them in. Give back to the soil which gave it up for the Ginkgo.  Not sure how it will effect the lawn, but honestly, I don't have an official lawn, because I much prefer a healthy ecology.