In our country, many citizens have their own personal plot where owners grow various vegetables and fruit trees. In order to get a good harvest every season, all crops must be properly looked after.
The apple tree is considered one of the most common garden trees in Russia. It perfectly adapts to various climatic conditions and stands out for the variety of species and varieties. Often gardener lovers are interested in the following question: how many years does the apple tree live? Is there any way to extend her life? This is what we will try to understand in this article.
A bit of history
The apple tree is the oldest garden tree of all existing on Earth. Mention of this plant is found in biblical subjects. Researchers say that the first apple trees appeared several millennia ago. Archaeologists have been able to detect charred processes in the excavation sites. The fact that apples were popular and BC say images on the monuments of ancient Egypt. According to scientists, wild apple varieties first appeared in Asia, North America, China and Central Asia. The Greeks brought them to Europe somewhere in the second millennium BC. Since then, fruits have become an integral attribute of European cuisine.
In Russia, apples appeared during the reign of Yaroslav the Wise, however, they received the greatest distribution a little later, under Yuri Dolgoruky. It was during his reign that the decree on the distribution of fruit trees began. How many years does an apple tree live in the suburbs? It is believed that the most popular varieties of this plant live about 80-100 years. After this time, the apple tree becomes less prolific and slowly fades away.
A lot can be said about the benefits of apples. This fruit is rich in vitamins and iron, so it must be added to the daily diet.
Apple tree: life span
For many centuries, the apple tree has been the most favorite fruitful tree of the Russian people. The life span of a tree in natural conditions is 80-100 years. For domestic species, the duration of existence can be twice as long. There are a number of factors that determine the life of a tree. Let's talk about each of them in more detail.
Region of growth
How many years does an apple tree live in Russia? This primarily depends on the region. For example, in the southern regions this indicator is significantly higher than in the northern ones. Here you can find long-lived trees, whose age is approximately 150 years. Plants in the middle latitudes are characterized by a shorter life span. Mostly apple trees live up to 100 years here. Trees older than 50 years are very rare in the northern regions. The average age of the plant, characteristic of this climatic zone is 30-35 years.
Life form
Another factor that directly affects the life of an apple tree is its form of existence. According to professionals, the later the tree began to bear fruit, the longer it will live. Early-growing varieties have a shorter life cycle.
Proper care
One of the most important factors affecting the life span of an apple tree is the provision of proper care. You can achieve a significant increase in life by properly forming tree crowns and timely treatment of parasites and pests.
First period
How old is an apple tree? There are several main stages into which the entire life span of a plant is divided. The first 5-15 years, the seedling develops. This period is considered especially important and responsible, since it is at this time that the future tree is formed. If you do not pay proper attention to the seedling at this stage, you will not be able to get a good crop.
Second period
With the onset of 15 years of age, the second stage of plant life begins. At this time, the apple tree gives a rich harvest. Growth rates are gradually starting to decline. However, it is worth considering that these indicators are very arbitrary and depend on many factors. If you do not take care of the plant properly, it can simply die. A strong weave of the side branches and thickening of the crown will not benefit the tree. Under such conditions, good fruiting is unlikely to be observed. The apples are likely to be small and not juicy.
These fruit trees are very susceptible to deformation. In the places of fractures of the branches, a settlement of moss and lichens can occur. Near such trees, growth of a large number of processes is usually observed. In this case, inexperienced gardeners can conclude that the apple tree is wild or degeneration is observed. However, one can find a way out of this situation. It is enough just to start caring for the tree and remove all unnecessary parts, and some time later you can easily collect a rich harvest.
Third period
What other developmental stages does an apple tree undergo during its life? How many years does a tree live? The third stage is called the conclusion of development. At this time, the growth processes are completed, shoot-forming branches die off, the yield is getting smaller. If you think in advance about preparing a shift for the affected trees, then this period can pass quite painlessly.
How to rejuvenate the apple orchard?
How old is an apple tree? When does she stop producing crops? These questions are asked by many gardeners. Over time, it's time to get rid of old trees.
To do this, use the following algorithm of actions:
- Around the trunk of the apple tree they dig a trench. Its depth should be such that you can easily chop the root processes.
- To tumble down one middle tree, the efforts of 2-4 people will be required.
- When the apple tree is knocked down, it is necessary to remove large root parts, and then cut and utilize the trunk.
In the process of decay, processes can appear in large quantities on a tree. A year later, the stump will collapse on its own. After that, you can easily remove it from the territory of the infield. To preserve the apple orchard, a young tree is planted instead of each removed tree. In this case, the harvest of beautiful fruits is provided to you for many years.
Conclusion
Well, we have examined all aspects related to the life expectancy of an apple tree. How many years does an apple tree live in an average garden plot? This term may be different. It all depends on the variety of apple trees and climatic conditions of the area. It should be borne in mind that the apple tree begins to bring in the greatest yield 15 years after planting. Over time, a tree can bear less and less. In order for the apple tree to bear large and juicy fruits, it needs appropriate care. The tree must be pruned and fed in a timely manner.