Conifers can reach a considerable age. In nature they often live to be several thousand years old. But what about the conifers in our gardens? Here you will find tips on how to make your conifers as old as possible.
How old do conifers get in the garden?
Conifers can live for several thousand years in their natural habitat, such as the spruce at 10,000 years and the yew at 4,000 years. However, in the garden, life expectancy varies due to factors such as pruning, care and disease.
Which conifer is the oldest in the world?
The oldest tree in the world is probably aSpruce in a national park in central Sweden. Their age is estimated at almost 10,000 years. Yew trees don't get quite as old. In Britain, several yew trees are over 4,000 years old.
How old can conifers get?
With4,000 yearsCypress trees can become extremely old. Many yew trees live to be 1,000 years old, while fir trees have a life expectancy of around 600 years. Pines and spruces reach an average age of 200 to 300 years, but they can also live significantly longer. Thujas don't get quite as old, they rarely live past 200 years.
What factors affect the lifespan of conifers?
The above information mainly refers to conifers that grow unhindered in the wild. However, if conifers in gardens or parksare regularly cut back, their life expectancy is significantly reduced. Pruning means that the evergreen plants become more sensitive as they age. They then become bald or brown more quickly. But pests such as the bark beetle or diseases can also cause conifers to die earlier.
What can you do to extend the lifespan of a conifer?
So that you can enjoy your conifers for a long time, it's all aboutcorrect care. It is often mistakes in care that lead to conifers dying prematurely. Too much watering often leads to root rot. But watering too infrequently and the resulting drought also weakens the plants. Another common care mistake is the premature and excessive application of fertilizer, which can prevent the roots of the conifers from developing well. Proper pruning is crucial for the long lifespan of your conifers. If you cut back a plant too much, it will no longer grow back in these areas.
Tip
Be careful when pruning
The conifers in your garden are unlikely to live as long as they do in the wild. Regular pruning causes them to become more sensitive as they age. If you already have a very old conifer in your garden, you should, if possible, not cut it back or hire specialists to do it for you.
