Help on how to age a tree

[Dave McCormick]

Does anyone know how to tell the age of a trree from measuring its girth? I have the girth from several old trees (Oak, Scots Pine, Ash and Horse Chestnut) think the Ash is the oldest as its wider than rest, but I can't find out how to tell the age from the size of the girth as several websites say different things. Does anyone know how to tell? I did read somewhere online that said you divide the girth (cm) by 1.5 if tree is growing near other trees and 2.5 if in open (since it grows wider in open due to less restrictions)

Can anyone help?

[Susie]

You have to get a group of friends together and hug it

Hold hands around the tree and for every person's arm spans it's 100 years.



Ok, not very scientific but it is fun!

[Dave McCormick]

Hugging, well that is one way. Who needs the hug of a good woman when you have a tree? . A few of the trees I recorded are growing in such a way (big limbs near bottom of trunk or other obstacles) that that method isn't really possible.