How long do trees live?

[Frogz]

About how long does the average tree live?


Thanks!

[Xion]

It's hard to say on average, but my guess is that the average tree lives to be about 100+ years old. I know there are some that have lived in the 1,000's which is pretty crazy to think about.

[mackiemoo]

It really depends on the species as well as if it is healthy. The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest is reported to be 1000 years old and is possibly the UK's most famous tree.

[Dan The Gardener]

This is a really good question that is hard to answer, in the ideal environment- perfect soil, protection from wind and frost and a healthy ecosystem to support it some trees can live for thousands of years. Others such as the Silver Birch only live to say 70-100 years. You also have to account for the trees role in an ecosytem, for example the silver birch is a pioneer species meaning that it prepares the land and builds an ecosystem perfect for oaks to grow in. When the Birch wood is mature it dies to make way for the Oak that will grow as a woodland for thousands of years. Without the Birch preparing the land, the Oaks would struggle so a longer living birch would create competition for the Oaks.