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Hi, Pappa.

Good question.

I have talked with Andy Smith, a professional collector, about this.

There are several ways.

A nearby, nearly identical, tree may have to be removed in the collection process. Or, it may simply not survive collection.

A major low branch may have to be removed.

There may well be nearby deadwood of the same size and species.

You can count the rings on those.

With experience (Andy collects hundreds of trees each year), you can simply make estimates. His are very accurate. He is also a professional forester.

In very difficult, or desert, growing conditions, the rings may be so small as to be nearly invisible. (As many as 200 in an inch of trunk) Sometimes it is helpful to use a scanner on the trunk section. You can then magnify the image on your computer, which will make counting much easier.

6-Apr-2005	#4
Bart Thomas(deceased) Perpetual Novice Join Date: Jun-2003 Location: Bridgewater, NJ Country: United States USDA Zone: 6 AHS Heat Zone: 5 Posts: 1,367	Hi, Pappa. Good question. I have talked with Andy Smith, a professional collector, about this. There are several ways. A nearby, nearly identical, tree may have to be removed in the collection process. Or, it may simply not survive collection. A major low branch may have to be removed. There may well be nearby deadwood of the same size and species. You can count the rings on those. With experience (Andy collects hundreds of trees each year), you can simply make estimates. His are very accurate. He is also a professional forester. In very difficult, or desert, growing conditions, the rings may be so small as to be nearly invisible. (As many as 200 in an inch of trunk) Sometimes it is helpful to use a scanner on the trunk section. You can then magnify the image on your computer, which will make counting much easier.