You can already find the nostalgic sight of the weeping willow on a lake, dipping its long branches into the water, in old poems and writings. The beautiful look brings back memories of old times. The weeping willow has a comparatively low life expectancy. Read here why the tree only lives around 80-100 years.
How old does a weeping willow get?
On average, a weeping willow can live 80-100 years, although its age depends on the location and soil conditions. In order to reach a ripe old age, it needs sufficient light, water and nutrients as well as a moist location.
How old does the weeping willow get?
Weeping willows last an average of 80-100 years. Their age is therefore equal to that of a human life. Therefore, it is a nice idea to plant a weeping willow for the birth of a child. It serves as a tree of life, so to speak.
Growth history
When it is young, the weeping willow literally shoots up. The rapid growth does not fully occur even with age, but it is no longer as pronounced as it used to be.
Dependence on growth and maximum age
The willow grows extremely quickly and is clearly superior to other deciduous trees in this respect. In comparison, the maximum life expectancy of the weeping willow is all the lower. The rapid, large-scale spread requires a lot of energy. In addition, as the weeping willow gets older and grows larger, it becomes more and more susceptible to breakage in strong storms.
Important factors for old age
- the location
- the floor
The Location
Weeping willows require a lot of light to grow. Since they grow very tall in a short time and thus overshadow other trees, this is only a problem in a few cases.
The Floor
Furthermore, sufficient water and nutrients are fundamental for he althy growth. Only in humid areas is supply guaranteed into old age.
Methods to determine the age of the weeping willow
- C 14 dating
- Tree age tables
- Drilling resistance measurement with a resistograph
- Annual rings
C 14 dating
This method uses radiocarbon dating. It is only used on very old trees.
Tree age tables
These are tables based on empirical values.
Drilling resistance measurement with a resistograph
Depending on how much resistance there is when drilling into the bark, the age of the tree can be determined.
Annual rings
You can read them on the tree disc when felling a tree. One ring equals one year.
When is determining the age of a weeping willow important?
If a tree is injured in a car accident, for example, the amount of the fine depends on the age of the tree. The older it was, the higher the amount.
