Can Trees Die of Old Age in Millis, MA?

If you want to know, “Can trees die of old age?” you might have an old tree you’re worried about eventually saying goodbye to, or one that looks like it’s in decline.

All trees will go downhill eventually, but it’s possible to lengthen their lifespans with good care. Here’s what to know from Brooke Tree Service, one of the most highly-rated tree specialists in Millis.

Can Trees Die of Old Age?

It might surprise you to learn that trees don’t actually die of old age. Rather, the older a tree gets, the more susceptible it becomes to pests, drought, and a lack of nutrients. All of these cause trees to decline and die.

Research shows that tree cells continue functioning instead of shutting down, a fact that makes Giant Redwoods possible. Technically, when a tree expires, it does so because of a function that ceases rather than being past its prime.

The Relationship Between Trees and Humans

One of the main things that causes trees to die is humans. Cutting trees down for construction, providing insufficient care, and neglecting to pay attention to the climate needs of a tree all cause tree death. 

People who want to care for their trees but lack the training also kill trees. For instance, they cut short a tree’s lifespan with:

• Overwatering
• Improper pruning techniques
• Performing inadequate wound care

Can trees die of old age? Humans cause a tree more problems than aging.

However, humans are also trees’ biggest allies. We plant trees because we love to look at them, and champion causes that prevent them from being cut down. We protect them within parks. Some people hire professional tree services to take care of their trees regularly, which helps address tree problems such as insect infestations at the early stages. 

Tree Vulnerability Increases With Age

An old tree stops growing and reduces its participation in photosynthesis. This decreases its ability to fight off pest infestations and diseases, much like an older adult struggles to heal from a broken bone.

Age takes its toll, and our biological response is not as vibrant as it once was.

However, tree services can help a tree continue to thrive, like how doctors help people do the same.

While the answer to, “Can trees die of old age?” isn’t straightforward, this information proves that a tree that receives regular care has a better chance of standing tall for a long time.

What Tree Maintenance Includes

Because you’re asking, “Can trees die of old age?”, you should learn more about tree maintenance, which includes:

• Mulching
• Pruning and Trimming
• Fertilizing

If the tree needs to come down because it poses a risk to people and property, you can:

• Have the tree milled
• Use the lumber to build furniture and fences
• Take it to an approved area to disintegrate naturally, providing nourishment to the earth

These choices transform the tree for a new beginning.

Contact Brooke Tree Service To Care for Trees of All Ages

Brooke Tree Service provides professional tree services in the Millis area. Our five-star reviews prove that our services make a difference in the health of our client’s trees and the beauty of their property.

We take great care to educate our clients about trees and what constitutes appropriate care for each species we encounter. We can explain why bark is falling off a tree and why that’s not always bad if that’s characteristic of the species. If you want to know what makes a tree thrive, we have the answers.

Feel free to bring up any more concerns you have about, “Can trees die of old age?” because we’re happy to help you understand them.

Contact us at 508-613-5044 to make an appointment soon.