Dating Trees

[artemis moon]

It's not what it sounds like from the title of this post

I was wondering if there's anyone who can give me a general guideline on how old a tree is based on it's diameter and height.

I know that some trees grow faster than others, but I have a hard time distinguishing what's an old patch of growth and what is fairly new. For instance, If an oak is 2 feet in diameter, about how long would it have taken to grow? What about a pine?

Thanks,

A.M.

 

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[MD Dog]

Dating trees accurately can only be done through counting growth rings, this could be done by taking a bore sample. However short of this tree species even within a group can vary too widely for any accurate assessment. That said an average figure for each species like oak, maple etc... could be found through you local agricultural extension office. Last but not least figure 1 ft per year height or 1 inch per year girth.

 

[artemis moon]

Thanks, Dog-that's just what I was looking for.

 

[kenb]

I asked the same question here a couple years ago. A member posted a very cool link on how to closely date trees with out cutting them. I'll try and find it for you.

kenb

 

[kenb]

Got it, heres link to original post.
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,5078.msg26931.html#msg26931

kenb

 

[artemis moon]

Thanks for the link-I think I've got to pull out my old math books now!

 

[Shortstack]

The rate of a tree's growth depends on many things, but the two most important are species and location. Sitka spruce in Alaska may be 20 years old and only 4 to 6 inches in diameter; but the same tree growing in Washington state or Oregon could be 10 inches in diameter.
A MDer should check to see what growth region they live in (here in Mississippi our regions are 7 & 8 ). Then, identify the species of trees and shrubs growing in their search areas. After IDing the plants, check with their state agricultural agency to find out the AVERAGE growth rate for each of these. Now, you'll have some basic info to help you estimate the age of the trees on your site.

 

[MD Dog]

The only problem with the link above is that it is region specific, it's written by a forester in Ga. My answer above is meant to be more general, to cover many different species in many different parts of the world. IE; Sitka Spruce in Alaska which only grow .2 inches per year versus Siberian Elms which can grow 3 feet a year in N.C.
Like Shortstack said many things can affect said growth like temperature, drought, sunlight etc...Not to mention that once a tree has reached its' maximum height for its' species in its' region under whatever conditions, it stops growing in height only but continues to grow in its' girdle or diameter.

 

[Sandman]

The Post title got me interested in asking which trees were more fun to date. But I see the real question has been answered well by others without making snide remarks. Darn, no fun here...........

 

[Ricardo_NY1]

This is not age specific, but a good sign the tree has been around a long time is to look at tree etching, if and when it is there. Besides the obvious dates, if you see the etching on the trunk well out of reach at about 8-10 feet +, you know it's been growing there for a while.

 

[savant365]

The Post title got me interested in asking which trees were more fun to date. But I see the real question has been answered well by others without making snide remarks. Darn, no fun here...........

One word Sandman...SPLINTERS