Life span (expectancy) of different trees?
 

We have two dogwood trees in our yard that look like they are dying. The house was built in the 1960s, and we just bought it about 5 years ago, so I don't know when the trees were planted. But I seem to remember reading that dogwoods only last around 15 years? I know that trees must have different life spans--like the sequorias (sp?)in the Western U.S. that are really old. What can anybody tell me about this topic? Thanks!

It may be a life span thing, or a stress thing.

You know trees move in a very slow time cycle. If exposed to drought, they may not show damage for a while, even years, and then begin dying later.

Also if yours shows yellowing leaves this may signal chlorosis which is a lack of iron in the soil, which then impairs photosynthesis in the leaves.

I'd get a tree specialist to look at them. It might be easy to fix and prevent (if it is a nutrient problem).

Sometimes it is a disease. Sometimes it is just their "time".

Trees
 

My mom's house in Goldsboro was built in 1956 and dogwoods were planted then. They still look great and bloom every spring. From what I've read their lifespan is 60-70 years with good care. You should probably call a tree doctor to have yours checked out! :) Good luck!