Just like us, trees display distinct traits which change as they grow and mature. These traits are usually distinguishable depending on which stage of life a tree is experiencing: juvenile, adolescent, young adult, adult or senescent. While all trees experience these phases, the length of each phase can last for hundreds of years depending on their species, location and the type and amount of care they receive.

Just like us, trees display distinct traits which change as they grow and mature. These traits are usually distinguishable depending on which stage of life a tree is experiencing: juvenile, adolescent, young adult, adult or senescent. While all trees experience these phases, the length of each phase can last for hundreds of years depending on their species, location and the type and amount of care they receive.

The Juvenile Tree - The juvenile phase starts at seed germination and generally extends until the tree is three years old. As a juvenile, the tree develops defense mechanisms which help it overcome adverse environmental factors.

For example, locust and many citrus trees develop thorns to ward off predatory animals who could damage their tender bark. Juvenile trees also root easily from branches; this trait aids them in repropagating themselves if they are damaged during this phase.

Another remarkable characteristic of juvenile trees is their leaf size. You may notice that most juvenile trees have large, deep green leaves. Large leaves help these youngsters capture sunlight which they then convert into food and energy for growth.

The Adolescent Tree - Most trees become an adolescent at age four and do not grow out of this phase until they are approximately fifteen years old. During this phase, top, trunk and root growth occur very rapidly so that the tree develops a structure that is strong and capable of withstanding many of the challenges it will face later in life. Pruning of weak and poorly developing branches during this phase will help the tree establish proper branch architecture.

The Young Adult Tree - From age fifteen to eighteen, the tree enters this transitional stage where rapid growth levels off and most of its energy is focused on the production of flowers and fruit. Also, as the tree's branches and leaves grow to capture maximum sunlight, the crown takes on a distinctive appearance, which provides the tree with its own character and charm.

The Adult Tree - It is not until the tree is twenty to twenty-five years old, that it begins to achieve its full glory. The tree canopy reaches its maximum size and the tree is a very valuable attribute to the landscape. Not only does the adult tree provide us with shade, oxygen, privacy and beauty; it may also serve as the perfect spot for a tree house, a swing or a place where we can take the time to nap, read a book or write a letter. While the adult tree is strong and robust, it experiences much slower growth with greater vulnerability to adverse environmental factors such as insects and disease. However, as long as the adult tree continues to receive proper care, it will continue to live healthy for many years.

The Senescent Tree - Tree senescence can occur at any phase of a tree's life. Compounded stress can weaken the tree causing a significant reduction in growth and initiating tree senescence. The most common factors which cause premature tree senescence are root injury, prolonged periods of drought, defoliation by insects, improper pruning practices and storm damage.

Trees which are senescent also have their important place in the ecological balance of the landscape environment. For instance, a tree which is hollow or partially dead, provides a home to wildlife and is a source of food for many other organisms.

Many of the most spectacular trees in the world are in their senescent phase. The contribution that these wise old trees make goes far beyond our standard measures of productivity. These trees have a magical energy about them which inspires worship and celebration amongst many ancient and modern cultures.

In many ways, the life of a tree parallels our own life experience. When tracing the life of a tree, we learn that each phase of life brings its own form of joy, challenge and purpose. Appreciate and enjoy every minute of it!

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