Tree Question

[Todd E]

Barring insect infestations, wind, lightning, drought etc.............

Will a tree die of old age? I realize it sounds stupid, but will/would a tree live forever?

[dawg2]

Yes, but they don't really have "fixed" lifespans like animals or people. They have really wide average lifespans. There are some bristlecone pines that have been found and are said to be 4,700years old.

Now they have announced a tree in Sweden being the oldest at 9,550 years old...

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/04/080414-oldest-tree.html

[Twenty five ought six]

Yes.

Peach trees for example, have a limited life.

[Big Texun]

No, a tree will not live forever. Like people, as they get older, they become more susceptible to all sorts of ailments, from vascular diseases to pests.

Some types of trees tend to live longer than others... but, eventually, they will all die.

Big Tex

PS: I'm ISA Certified Arborist #SO-5437A

[rip18]

Something is going to kill the tree, just like something is the cause of death for people. As we (and trees) get older, we become more susceptible to ailments that we might survive as younger individuals.

Each stress (whether it be competition, ice storm, insect attack, disease, etc) reduces a trees resources and makes it more susceptible to the next stressor.

With that said, different tree species have different life expectancies, and are more susceptible to stressors at different ages...

[ellaville hunter]

yes it will die

[Todd E]

Thanks !!

I could only hope that there was an arborist on here;)
Thanks, Big T.

Kinda' odd question to ask. We stopped for lunch today under the shade of a large tree and it got us to thinking.
Wonder how old that tree is?
Wonder if it will die of old age?
....or will it just keep on keepin' on.

Thanks again.:)

[ellaville hunter]

i am a certified arborist also

so-4188au