The lifespan of an oak tree is determined by its genes. Some species have the potential to reach a four-digit year. Wrong location, harmful environmental conditions and some other factors debit from this account. Even the person who seeks their wood rarely lets them grow old.

Oak trees can live up to 800 years

The possible age depends on the species

The earth is home to more than 600 species of oaks, most of which are found in the northern hemisphere. Each of these species not only differs in appearance, but also grows differently in age.

Listing all oak species here would go beyond the scope. Below are the data for two species that are most likely to fill up in Germany and are most common:

  • Pedunculate oak can reach an age of 800 years
  • Sessile oak is about 700 years old

When does an oak tree grow old?

The oldest oak tree in the world is said to be around 1,500 years old. How is that possible?
In addition to the oak species, the location and environmental conditions also contribute to the tree growing healthily. With good resistance, diseases and pests cannot weaken the tree.

There are also a few thousand-year-old oak trees in Germany that would certainly have a lot to tell, considering everything that happened during their lifetime.

Determine the age of an oak tree

The age of a felled oak can be determined by the annual rings. The age of a live oak, on the other hand, is determined by professionals using the radiocarbon method.

Laymen can use the circumference of the trunk as a guide.

  • measure at a height of 1.5 m
  • get the result in cm
  • Dividing the result by 0.8 gives the approximate age

tips

The flowering of the oak is a signal that the tree is several decades old. Oaks do not bloom until they are around 60 years old.

Old oak trees and the saw

If an old oak tree is a nuisance in the garden, its life should not be shortened on one's own initiative. The felling of older specimens almost always and everywhere in this country requires official approval, otherwise there is a risk of penalties.

Short life for valuable wood

Our favorite wood 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 natural age.

Category:

Trees