STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As New York heads into peak foliage season, the crisp autumn air carries a signature scent — the unmistakable stink of the ginkgo. That pungent perfume is Mother Nature’s peculiar way of signaling that the tree’s iconic fan-shaped leaves are just days away from turning a brilliant, electric yellow.

Ginkgo trees in autumn

Throughout October, ginkgo trees flaunt their unique, fan-like leaves, which begin to curl and shimmer in the breeze like brass tambourine jingles. These trees are especially striking in places like Silver Lake Park in West Brighton, Arbutus Woods Park in Huguenot and in Tottenville notably around the South Shore Babe Ruth baseball complex. Their golden foliage creates a dazzling contrast against the deep greens and browns of the season.

But beauty

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