Where would we be without trees? They add value to our homes and neighborhoods, they break the cold New Jersey winter winds to help lower our heating costs, and they provide food and shelter for wildlife. Most trees will outlive us; indeed, some trees have been alive on this planet in their spots for hundreds or thousands of years. Now that is longevity, right?

Trees, like humans, have a natural life cycle and a finite life span. They grow up, have their peak years, and then they wither and die, eventually. How long do trees live, then? Well, it depends on their species. A sequoia will live longer than an elm, for instance. Palm trees live around 50 years while black willows typically make it to 75 years. Other species can live thousands of years. The Alaska red cedar can live up to 3,500 years, and giant sequoias can last some 3,000 years. Again, the species of the tree helps determine its average lifespan.

Tree life is influenced by several factors, including the availability of water and sunshine. Furthermore, temperature and wind make an impact. And then there are fires, pests and diseases which can shorten the life of some trees.

You can determine how many years a tree has lived by counting the rings inside their trunks. It should be noted that trees in warmer climates tend to have shorter lifespans than those in colder climates with four distinct seasons.

In New Jersey, if you have a dead tree on your property and you want it and/or its stump removed, call Big Foot Tree Service at 973-885-8000.