When you have an older tree that’s starting to drop limbs or showing signs of disease, you might wonder if trying to save it is worth the effort. What is the average lifespan of a tree? Professionals offering tree services in Mooresville, NC, can study the plant and give you an estimate based on the species you have.
Why the Species Greatly Affects the Estimated Lifespan
The species of tree plays the biggest role in determining how long it will probably live. The lifespan differences among tree types can be significant.
Fruit trees have an average lifespan of about 50 years, although some fast-growing species may only live about 15 years. Hardwood trees, such as oaks and maples, have an average life of about 100 years. A redwood or ginkgo species has an average lifespan of 2,000 to 3,000 years.
Generally, species that quickly grow tall will have a shorter average life than those that have a slower growth pattern. Species that produce large amounts of fruit or flowers usually don’t live as long as those that focus most of their energy on leaf and root growth.
Other Factors That Play a Role in Lifespan
Beyond the species, the average lifespan of a tree depends on the growing conditions. Some of the factors that affect tree longevity include a lack of sunlight, drought, soil compaction, and a lack of nutrients.
Structural damage or stress could also result in a shorter-than-average lifespan. A tree that grows with a pronounced V-shaped crotch at the top of the trunk, for example, is more prone to splitting, which could kill it early.
Should You Remove a Tree Based on Its Age?
Professionals can take a core sample from the trunk to measure how old the tree is. Knowing the age and comparing that to how long trees typically live based on the species can help you make a decision on whether to cut down a damaged or diseased plant.
However, professionals rarely recommend cutting down a healthy plant just because it surpassed its average expected lifespan. If it’s healthy and not threatening nearby structures, professionals will likely tell you to let it continue growing. By scheduling regular maintenance, it could live for many years or even decades beyond its expected average lifespan.
If You’re Considering Removing an Older Tree, Call Tree Tech Tree Services for Expert Advice
Although the average lifespan of a tree depends heavily on the species, growing conditions and soil quality also play a role. The arborists at Tree Tech Tree Services can visit your property and give you an estimate of your tree’s age and life expectancy. We can provide tips to keep trees healthy, too.
When possible, we always try to save trees. However, if your plant is well beyond the average tree lifespan based on species and is showing signs of disease and brittle branches, we might recommend removal. For a free cost estimate, call us today at (704) 799-5796.