- The birch can reach this age
- Stages in the life of a birch
- Determining the age of a birch
- Measure the circumference of a birch
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The birch enchants with its delicate appearance of slender trunk with tall growth, filigree sawn leaves and of course the unmistakable white trunk, which appears marbled due to its black cracks. In contrast to this gentle look, however, birches are extremely robust, life-hungry trees. How old can birch trees get?
Birch trees often live for more than 100 years
The birch can reach this age
There are more than 40 species of birch, so there are slight variations in lifespan depending on the birch. In general, however, these are extremely fast-growing trees. They are undemanding and manage to multiply and thrive in poor soil and less than ideal conditions. That is why the birch is known as a pioneer plant.
The final height of most birches is around 25 meters. The trees reach this age when they are about 50 years old. Some specimens even exceed 30 meters. Once the final growth is complete, the end of a birch's life is far from in sight. Birch trees can grow an average of 120 years under the best conditions. The silver birches that are most common in Germany generally reach around 80 years, while the downy birches, which are also frequently encountered, can live as long as 200 years.
Stages in the life of a birch
After about five years, the birch blossoms for the first time. However, the free-standing tree is sexually mature after around ten years at the earliest, depending on the conditions at its location also much later.
Determining the age of a birch
If you are interested in the age of a birch tree, you can get a vague estimate of it by measuring the tree's girth. Of course, the usual counting of the rings only works for specimens that have already been felled. In principle, however, the measurement amounts to the same thing. However, since the annual rings can reach different widths, measuring the circumference only allows an approximate interpretation.
Measure the circumference of a birch
It is best to measure the circumference at a height of one to five feet from the ground. You can also take two readings, one at one meter and one at one and a half, and then average them out. Then multiply your trunk circumference by 0.4 and you will get a rough guideline as to how old your birch might already be. More precise measurements can only be carried out by experts, for example by measuring drilling resistance.