When Does a Tree Stop Growing? Insights from a Tree Care Contractor in Long Grove, Illinois

Many people look at the big tree in their yard and wonder whether it’s finally done growing. Your tree may already look tall or old enough to have reached its limit…and it might look like nothing about it is changing anymore from year to year.

However, tree growth is harder to understand than it looks — they do not always grow in predictable ways year after year. Their changes become subtle and easier to miss over time. If you do not know what to look for, you could think that a tree has stopped growing when it has not.

With that in mind, this tree care contractor in Long Grove, Illinois is going to explain how tree growth actually works. We will discuss why tree growth slows over time, and how trees can continue changing even when they look the same year after year.

Do trees ever stop growing?

Most trees continue growing for as long as they are alive. What changes over time is how that growth appears. For example, a tree could stop getting taller. But that does not mean its growth has stopped completely.

Even when height growth slows or stops, there is still activity happening inside the tree. The trunk continues to develop, and the roots keep spreading underground. These changes are just much harder to see.

How does a tree change as it gets older?

Tree growth is easier to understand when you think of it in stages. Trees change as they age and their needs change along with them. A professional tree care contractor in Long Grove, Illinois will always use these stages to provide the best care to your trees.

Young trees grow rapidly. This is because they focus on reaching upward toward the sun while also spreading out to build a strong base.

As trees mature, their height growth slows and can stop altogether. Many people think that the tree has fully grown at this point. But the tree is still growing, even if changes are less noticeable. Regular care and maintenance are very important during this stage if you want to keep the tree healthy and strong in the long term.

Older trees show minimal visible change from year to year. This is because they use most of their energy to maintain health and stability. Age also makes them more sensitive to stress and weather. This is why tree care at this stage tends to focus on safety and long-term preservation.

What causes tree growth to slow down?

Tree growth can be different from one tree to another. In fact, even trees planted close together can grow at different speeds.

Tree species are one of the main factors in growth rate. Some species grow fast and live shorter lives. Some species grow slowly and live much longer.

The environment also affects tree growth. For example, weather influences how much energy a tree can produce, while soil quality affects how well roots can spread.

What are the signs a tree has fully grown?

There are some clear signs that show when a tree has reached maturity. One of these is a stable height. So, you may see that the tree no longer grows taller each year. New branch growth can also look shorter.

At the same time, you may notice the tree trunk getting thicker. This type of growth tends to replace height growth as the tree ages. When these signs appear, a professional tree care contractor in Long Grove, Illinois may suggest a plan focused more on maintenance than expansion.

Looking for a tree care contractor in Long Grove, Illinois?

If you are ready to work with a trusted tree care contractor in Long Grove, Illinois, Brown Tree Service, Inc. is just a call away. Our ISA-certified arborists can inspect your trees and explain their current stage. We can also recommend the care that best suits their needs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.