Is Average Tree Lifespan a Meaningful Number?
- Martin Ford
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Leda Marritz
2014-07-09
deeproot.com Green Infrastructure

Tags: Urban Forestry, Tree Conservation, Public Policy, Community Development, Tree Health, Environmental Education
A similar study published a few years later reported that downtown trees have an average lifespan of 13 years......................................... To successfully tackle increasing urban canopy cover, we cannot speak only about tree planting; we need to speak about tree growing. We can’t speak only about average tree age; we need to speak about age distribution and half-life. Roman concludes her piece by writing, “In order to reap the benefits of urban tree planting programs, the trees have to survive, thrive, and grow, within the context of an existing urban forest population of varying ages
The article "Is Average Tree Lifespan a Meaningful Number?" from DeepRoot.com explores the concept of average tree lifespan and its relevance in urban forestry. It questions whether the average lifespan of a tree is a useful metric for understanding tree health and longevity, given the variability in species, environmental conditions, and care practices. The article highlights that many trees in urban settings do not reach their full potential lifespan due to factors like poor soil quality, limited space, and inadequate maintenance. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on tree care practices that can extend the lifespan of urban trees, such as proper planting, pruning, and soil management. The article also discusses the role of community involvement and policy in promoting healthier urban forests.
Keywords: Tree Lifespan, Urban Forestry, Tree Care Practices, Environmental Conditions, Community Involvement, Policy, Tree Health
Comments