The lifespan of an oak tree is determined by its genes. Some species have the potential to reach four-digit years. Incorrect location, harmful environmental conditions and some other factors debit this account. Even the people who seek their wood rarely let them grow old.
How old can an oak tree get?
The maximum lifespan of an oak depends on its species: English oaks can live up to 800 years, while sessile oaks can live around 700 years. Location, environmental conditions and human activity may affect actual age.
The possible age depends on the species
The earth is home to more than 600 species of oak, most of which are found in the northern hemisphere. Each of these species not only differs in appearance, but also lives at different ages.
Listing all types of oak here would go beyond the scope. Below is the data for two species that thrive best and are most common in Germany:
- Pedunculate oak reaches an age of 800 years
- Sessile oak is around 700 years old
When does an oak tree become old as a rock?
The oldest oak in the world is said to be around 1,500 years old. How is this possible?In addition to the oak species, location and environmental conditions also contribute to the tree growing he althily. With good resistance, diseases and pests cannot weaken the tree.
There are also some thousand-year-old oak trees in Germany that would certainly have a lot to tell, considering what happened during their lifetime.
Determine the age of an oak tree
The age of a felled oak tree can be determined using the annual rings. The age of a live oak tree, on the other hand, is determined by professionals using the radiocarbon method.
Laypeople can rely on the circumference of the trunk.
- measure at a height of 1.5 m
- determine the result in cm
- Dividing the result by 0.8 gives the approximate age
Tip
The oak's blossom is a signal that the tree is several decades old. Oak trees only bloom when they are around 60 years old.
Old Oaks and the Saw
If an old oak tree is disturbing the garden, its life must not be shortened on your own initiative. The felling of older specimens almost always and everywhere in this country requires official approval, otherwise there will be pen alties.
Short life for valuable wood
The most popular wood for us is oak. The tree is felled when it is at its most beautiful and strongest. The vast majority of oak trees therefore have no chance of reaching their naturally determined age.
