They’re a living and beautiful part of our world, but do trees die of old age the same way humans and animals do? An older tree might suffer from damage or disease exposure more than a younger tree might. In that way, its years do correspond with a greater risk of the tree dying from environmental stress.With this in mind, how can you keep your older trees as healthy as possible? Check out some of the advice tree services professionals like Tree Care Inc. provide below.
The Facts Behind Mature Trees and Dying of Old Age
Do trees die of old age, or is another cause to blame? Scientists don’t typically admit to trees reaching a certain age and dying. In most cases, a tree that dies usually has a primary cause other than its age.
An older tree may suffer from disease, storm damage, wildlife damage, or insect infestations, and is less likely to survive these kinds of issues than younger trees. Think of it like this: Older trees tend to die from complications related to old age, rather than putting a number on it. So, when you’re studying which trees to plant and see projected lifespan ranges for different species, these numbers are just estimates.
Some plants can live quite a bit longer or shorter than their recorded range. Generally, nurseries and tree care articles provide the projected lifespan based on normal living conditions and weather. However, a tree that has a severe insect infestation might not reach the projected lifespan range, while a tree that receives regular care from an arborist might well exceed it.
What Happens When a Tree Reaches Maturity?
Do trees die of old age when they reach maturity? Reaching the age of maturity tends to change or slow the tree’s growth pattern. However, maturity doesn’t often signal the end of the tree’s lifespan; it’s just the end of its initial, vigorous growing period.
Scientists consider a tree to be at maturity when it’s finished with the majority of its growth in height and trunk diameter. At this time, the tree begins to focus its energy on reproduction, such as creating seeds, fruit, or flower blooms. Some trees reach maturity within a few years, while others take a few decades or more, but it’s not unusual for them to live decades beyond reaching this milestone.
Best Ways To Measure the Age of a Tree
If you’re looking at specific species, do trees die of old age when they reach a certain age? No, most species have growth limitations once they reach a certain age, but will continue to grow until they die.
The next question is how to know the age of a tree. Do you or the nursery have records of when you purchased the tree?
Records are the simplest way, although some people use a circumference measurement of the tree trunk. You compare the circumference to the average size of that particular species’ trunk at different ages. This process is not precise, but it gives a general idea of the tree’s age.
An accurate tree age estimate may require calling a certified arborist, who can perform dendrochronology measurements. As trees grow, they produce a new layer of wood under the bark, and you can view this new growth ring in a cross-section of the trunk. The arborist may take a narrow bore cross-section of the tree’s trunk that doesn’t harm the plant but allows an accurate counting of the rings.
Note that some tree rings can be extremely narrow, making them difficult to count. A professional has the experience needed to make an accurate calculation.
Life-Threatening Problems That Older Trees Might Experience
While other issues ultimately cause the death of the tree, do trees die of old age in rare cases? Common problems that could end the life of an older tree are the following:
Wounds and Structural Damage Can Kill Older Trees
Has a younger tree suffered cracked limbs or storm damage? Recovery is simpler when the tree is still growing vigorously. An older tree is growing slowly and might not be able to generate new cells fast enough to recover from the damage.
Disease and Insect Infestations Hit Older Trees Hard
Older trees with cracked bark or limbs provide an avenue for insects and disease to enter the heartwood. Younger trees are less brittle and don’t break as often. Since they recover from damage quicker, the window for infection or infestation is also smaller.
Weakened Roots Aren’t Always Easy To Spot Before It’s Too Late
Compacted soil or root rot from many years of poor water drainage can leave older trees susceptible to falling over in a windstorm. Even if your older tree looks healthy, unseen root problems could still kill it.
Can You Prevent an Older Tree From Dying?
As people get older, they seek a doctor’s care or ask for physical exams to determine whether they’re as healthy as possible. The arborist follows a similar process for your trees. You can give your older tree a better chance at a long life by actively caring for it, and the best person to help you with that is a certified arborist.
Sometimes, an arborist can’t save an older tree after significant storm damage. However, it doesn’t have to reach that point if your tree receives proactive fertilization and pest prevention treatments. Helping a mature tree avoid damage and other environmental stressors gives it the best chance of a long, happy life.
Rely On the Arborists at Tree Care Inc. To Help Your Mature Trees Thrive
Do trees die of old age? We’ve seen that although trees don’t technically die from being too old, the natural aging process can lead to disease and decay vulnerabilities that shorten the expected tree lifespan. Why not let a certified arborist from Tree Care Inc. give your trees the care required to live as long and as healthily as possible?
Rather than risk old trees falling, reach out to our experts for information on tree mortality, suggestions on proper tree care, and more. Contact us today for a free cost estimate!
