Knowing how to tell how old a tree is is more than just a matter of curiosity — it is essential for scientific research and studying different species and how they adapt to ever-changing environmental conditions.
Homeowners may also want better information about the health and expected lifespans of trees on their property. GM 2 Tree Services, LLC, the leading Cheshire tree services company, discusses the common ways to assess tree ages below.
Count the Rings of a Bisected Tree
The most common way to determine the age of a tree is also the most precise way to measure it—counting the rings. Of course, this method typically only works for bisected trees that have been cut down.
If you examine a tree stump or a section of the trunk, you will see dark rings circling outward from the center to the edge of the bark. There are typically dark rings and light bands together. Each of those rings equals a year of the tree’s life.
With some species and in limited cases, an arborist may use special equipment to take a core sample from a living tree to count rings without killing it. A professional should do this to avoid injuring or killing the tree.
Examining rings can also provide a wealth of information about the environmental conditions that affected the tree’s growth over the years. Differing ring widths, shapes, and colors can provide clues about past events.
Narrow rings indicate poor growth and could reflect bad weather or an insect infestation. Wide rings can indicate a year of more rapid growth that could have resulted from ample water and proper nutrition.
Measuring Circumference for Age Approximation
Wondering how to tell how old a tree is without cutting it down? Simply measure the circumference.
You can use a rope to measure around the tree — its circumference — at breast height, about 4 or 5 feet up from the ground. Then, measure the length of the rope using a standard tape measure.
Now that you know the tree’s circumference, it is simple to calculate its diameter, which is the width from edge to edge running through the center. Using the standard formula for the diameter of a circle, divide the circumference by 3.14 (an approximation of pi) to get the diameter.
Look up a table with growth factors for various tree species. Find the growth factor of the tree you are assessing and multiply the diameter by the growth factor to get the approximate age of the tree.
Count On GM 2 Tree Services, LLC, for Complete Tree Service in Cheshire
If you would like more information on how to tell how old a tree is, whether tree branches grow back, or any other tree-related issue, GM 2 Tree Services, LLC, is here to help.
Our experts proudly serve Cheshire and the larger Connecticut community, providing unmatched customer service and ensuring you have the information to manage and care for your trees properly.
Call GM 2 Tree Services, LLC, today at (860) 940-5783 for more information and to schedule service.