An urban tree’s lifespan is significantly shorter than one found in a forest. Why? Short answer, humans. The thought that trees are fine without us is true. This is why trees in a forest are fine but trees in an urban environment aren’t. Once humans began planting them around us or moved into their space we started to kill them, of course not intentionally.

Unlike a tree in a forest, trees living amongst people in cities begin their life cycle under stress. 

Problems Trees in an Urban Environment Face:

• They do not have other trees nearby to share nutrients with
• They do not have other trees to protect them from wind and sun 
• Their soil is contaminated with byproduct of cities; chemicals, paint, chlorine
• They have limited area to grow due to streets, sidewalks, power lines, and driveways
• They experience root disturbance from plumbing, construction, or trenching
• Temperatures in a city is higher due to concrete and less shade from other trees

These stressors impact the trees quality of life and because of this urban trees need extra assistance from humans to correct these man made problems they would not run into if they were in a forest.

Amazing Tree Facts:

• Methuselah, Bristlecone Pine  is considered the oldest living organism on earth and is thought to be over 4,789 years old
• Pando is believed to be the largest living organism ever found at 13 million pounds
• Plano Quadricentennial bur oak was the oldest living tree in DFW until it failed during a storm in 2023

At Texas Tree Surgeons we are urban arborists, not foresters, and are trained and educated to care for the specific needs of urban trees. We love trees, and we hope you do too. We have a basic homeowners guide to trees so you too can keep your trees healthy.