This project determines the ages of trees without cutting the trees down to count the rings in their bases.
What is the best method for distinguishing the age of a tree?
- Trees (choose a variety)
- Tape measure
- Pen and paper
- A “growth factor” chart for trees
Note: If you happen to stumble across a tree stump, take the time to identify the tree and count the rings in the trunk to find out the age of the tree.
- Find an area that has a variety of trees (park or playground).
- Find your first tree sample, and at approximately three to five feet from the ground, measure the circumference of its trunk.
- Find about four more types and sizes of trees and record their types and circumferences.
- Follow this formula to calculate the diameters of the trees: Diameter = Circumference divided by 3.14 (pi).
- Multiply the diameter of each tree by its growth factor (found on Growth Factor Chart) to calculate the approximate age of the tree.
Author: Kathy Phillips
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