Do Trees Die of Old Age?

A huge shade tree is a treasure to be preserved and cherished. Older trees reduce utility bills substantially by shading the property. That makes mature trees worth the care and attention they necessitate. You might wonder, "Do trees die of old age?" It is contingent on the health of the tree and how well it is maintained. This article offers some tips for protecting your older green treasures.

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​Do Trees Die of Old Age? Keep Them Healthy to Live Long Lives

Protect the bark. Try not to let power tools like trimmers and mowers hit the tree and damage the bark. A layer of mulch encircling the tree is an excellent way to make a buffer zone. It's critical to avoid injuring the water vessels and growing tissue just under the bark.

Apply mulch. A mulch layer around the trunk is one of the most significant things you can do for your tree. It shields the soil surrounding the tree's roots, stopping foot traffic and lawn equipment. Mulch also enriches the earth as it deteriorates.

Use mulch made from wood. Apply it at least four inches deep around the trunk. The wider the mulch layer, the better. Don't just pile it against the bark of the trunk. It will produce diseases and decay. 
Stay away from the roots. When there is compact soil is around a tree's roots, the tree can't soak in the air and water it requires. To not have compact soil, keep foot traffic away from under the branches of a tree. Move toys well away. Don't park vehicles on the roots.

Don't have anything dangling from trees. A rope used to hang a tire swing from a limb might swiftly wear away the protective bark and destroy the critical tissue. If the bark injury doesn't kill the branch, the weight could break it. To hang a hammock, don't use a rope. Instead, drill a hole and put in a big eye bolt.

Water. A mature tree could live off rainfall. However, when the weather is dry for many weeks, even a big tree requires watering to avoid stress. Water the tree gradually, so the roots can soak in the water. You can use your garden hose, or a couple of buckets of water poured over the root zone will work. 
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Learn more about the lifespan of mature trees by contacting us at Rochester Tree Service. 

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