The majority of trees in Texas have incredibly long lifespans. Southern magnolia trees, for example, will live to be well over 100 years old, while honey mesquite trees will sometimes stick around for over 200 years. Can trees die of old age?
As a top provider of tree services in Steiner Ranch, TX, Wilder Tree Company, knows that old age isn’t to blame for the deaths of most trees in Texas. Select species might survive this long before dying of old age, but other factors are often to blame for their eventual decay. Find out about a few more common causes of tree deaths in Steiner Ranch.
Structural Decline Often Precedes Tree Decay
While the answer to the question, “Can trees die of old age?” is “yes,” structural decline typically starts to set in long before trees reach the end of their expected lifespans. This decline is one of the most common causes of death for many trees in Steiner Ranch and other parts of Texas.
You might notice the following warning signs that a tree’s structure is starting to decline:
- The leaves become smaller and fall off earlier than usual.
- The branches start dying, falling off, and not growing back.
- The trunk and its bark develop vertical cracks.
When a tree’s structure declines, it weakens significantly. This increases the risk of winds knocking down the tree in a bad storm.
Tree Diseases Claim Many Types of Local Vegetation
Long before old age gets the best of trees in, they risk becoming infected with potentially deadly diseases. Tree disease susceptibility remains especially dangerous for tree species throughout Texas. Common diseases and fungal infections include:
- Chlorosis
- Oak Wilt
- Aphids
If you spot any signs that suggest a tree is under attack by a disease, a certified arborist may be able to reverse the damage. They can attempt to eradicate the disease with fungicides, pruning, and other measures to breathe life back into a tree.
Environmental Stressors Affect a Tree’s Vitality
The environment is beginning to take a much bigger toll on the trees in Texas. These changes are so prevalent that some people don’t have to wonder, “Can trees die of old age?” anymore.
Environmental stressors that might cause trees to die ahead of schedule include:
- Droughts
- Severe heat
- Insect infestations
Dramatic temperature changes in the Steiner Ranch area might also trigger senescence in trees. This jumpstarts the aging process on a cellular level and causes age-related tree changes that doom them.
Help Your Trees Live Longer With Wilder Tree Company – Request a Quote Today
Answering, “Can trees die of old age​?” isn’t always easy. While old age can take its toll, various factors can impact tree health long before aging becomes an issue.
Wilder Tree Company can offer a more extensive answer to this question. We’ll help you get the most life out of the trees on your property by repairing tree holes and cracks that can lead to serious issues.
Contact us at (512) 729-8733 to schedule tree services today!