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Have you ever wondered what happens throughout a tree’s life? Most of us will never grow a tree from a seed and observe it as it reaches its final form as a fully grown tree.
While it can take several years, if not decades, for a tree to navigate its entire lifecycle, it can be worth paying attention to. The following incredible things can happen:
Stage 1: Germination
All trees start as a single, tiny seed. That’s hard to believe when you see any Kauri or Kahikatea tree towering about us. The germination process of that seed begins when it has been exposed to cool temperatures and moist conditions. Once that happens, the seed comes to life and sprouts roots. Those amazing roots then go in search of nourishment to help the seed survive and thrive.
Before long, the seed launches through the soil to bask in the sunlight. It’s now getting ready to start its journey of growth from seed to sapling.
Stage 2: Sapling Growth
As the seed slowly turns into a sapling, it becomes a waiting game. The sapling continues to grow upwards and outwards, with a complex network of branches and leaves to give it strength and substance.
While self-sufficient to a degree, saplings do typically need our help to thrive. We must ensure they have adequate water and sunshine. It’s also crucial to protect them from pests and diseases that threaten to claim their lives.
Trees can remain in the sapling phase for many seasons, slowly maturing and learning how to become stronger and more resilient.
Step 3: Hello Maturity!
With time, patience, and a small amount of nurturing, a tree will eventually transform from a sapling into a mature tree. As this process happens, the tree’s trunk thickens, and its canopy thrives to provide shade and shelter. Before long, this mature tree has become integral to the life forms around it, giving oxygen, taking carbon, and supporting wildlife like birds and insects.
Depending on the species and how much care your tree receives, it can survive and thrive for many decades.
Step 4: Reproduction
You might have nurtured your tree to ensure its survival, but your tree is also doing its part to keep itself alive. After reaching maturity, it will move through a reproduction cycle. This is when a tree will produce flowers or cones to help carry on the species.
During pollination, its seeds are dispersed through wind, water, and animals to different locations. Those seeds can then take root, grow into saplings, and start the lifecycle all over again.
Step 5: Death and Life
The sad reality is that trees don’t last forever. There may come a time in your own lifetime when you see a popular tree in your community succumb to old age, the elements, or disease. Many trees can show their age and decline through brittle branches, sparse leaves, and weathered bark. These signs can typically spell the end.
And while sad to think about, the death of a tree isn’t always a sad occasion. Decaying and decomposing trees provide essential organisms and nutrients for future generations of plants and animals to thrive.
Can You Expand a Tree’s Lifespan?
All good things must come to an end. That means that our much-loved trees will eventually die. However, there are ways we can extend our trees’ lifespans in some environments and situations:
Plant them in the right location
Trees can grow big, healthy, and strong when planted in the right locations. Before planting your seed or sapling, ask yourself how much space they need at maturity, the type of pH your soil is, whether the site gets enough sun, and what your tree can tolerate. The more questions you can answer, the easier it can be to match a tree to a location.
Avoid improper pruning practices
Topped and stubbed branches might seem like a good idea, but these pruning practices aren’t always ideal for tree lifespans. In fact, they can result in weakened branches and issues with pests and diseases. Always follow proper pruning practices approved by an experienced arborist.
Space them properly
Your tree might be tiny now, but it certainly won’t be forever! Make sure you space your trees far apart to let them reach their full potential. As a general rule, trees that grow up to 10 metres tall need a six-metre diameter for canopy spread. If you have a large 15-metre tree, allow at least 12 metres.
Let Pro Climb Tree Care Take Care of Your Trees Throughout their Lifecycle
Whether you have seeds, saplings, mature trees, or trees reaching the end of their lives, you can call the friendly team at Pro Climb for assistance. Our expert arborists can provide many tree services in Auckland, including arborist services, tree landscaping, tree cutting, and more. Let’s enjoy your trees’ lifecycles together.