{"id":12177,"date":"2023-01-26T09:32:21","date_gmt":"2023-01-26T09:32:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=12177"},"modified":"2023-01-27T09:50:30","modified_gmt":"2023-01-27T09:50:30","slug":"how-to-tell-the-age-of-a-pecan-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-tell-the-age-of-a-pecan-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Tell The Age Of A Pecan Tree?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The best method by which to tell the age of a pecan tree depends on exactly how precise you wish to be. The ideal method is to fell the tree and then count all the growth rings. Generally, this approach is probably a little too dramatic, and there are other alternatives that can give you a good approximate answer which we will investigate further here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can You Estimate The Age Of A Tree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Can<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s possible to estimate the age of a tree without cutting it down in several ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Circumference<\/strong> \u2013 By measuring around the tree\u2019s trunk, you can get an approximate age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Diameter & Radius<\/strong> \u2013 A little more tricky, but there is a correlation between diameter and radius measurements with age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Core Sample<\/strong> \u2013 A tool called an \u201cincrement borer\u201d can be used to take a core sample for analysis. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Growth Factor<\/strong> \u2013 This is a number you can use in a mathematical equation along with various measurements to give you the tree’s age.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Circumference <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The easiest method to give a rough approximation of the tree’s age is to simply measure around the trunk at chest height using a soft inch tape, such as the kind used in dressmaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you don\u2019t have a soft tape, then you can use twine and mark off the measurement. Then use a metal tape to take the reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This circumference measurement in inches will give you a very rough approximation of the age of the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The reason why this method isn\u2019t very accurate is that different species of tree grow at different rates and have varying trunk sizes. This is also affected by the growing conditions of individual trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Diameter & Radius<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    To use the diameter or radius of a tree to tell its age, you will also need to know either the average ring width from a nearby stump of another pecan tree or the average growth rate for pecan trees which is approximately 18.5 inches per year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Calculate the diameter of the tree. To do this, divide the circumference by pi 3.14. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Next, you\u2019ll need to know the radius. To calculate this, divide the diameter number by 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. You will need to make an allowance for the thickness of the bark. For mature pecan trees, this is approximately 1 inch. Subtract this from the radius measurement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Now, you need to know the average ring width, which you can measure by looking at the space between the rings on any fallen or felled pecan trees located in the same area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If the stump has a 25-inch radius with 125 rings, then the average ring width is 0.2 (1\/5) of an inch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you can\u2019t get a ring width measurement, use the average annual growth rate instead. For pecan trees, this is 18.5 inches per year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. You now need to divide the radius measurement (excluding bark) by the ring width. Or, if you\u2019re using the growth rate to make your calculation divide the circumference (less two inches for bark) by the growth rate. Now you have the approximate age of your tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Core Sample<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    To use a core sample<\/a> to tell the age of your tree, you will need a tool called an Increment Borer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This rather resembles an auger and is T-shaped with an end piece that is shaped like an apple corer. There is a separate part called the extractor that fits inside the auger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You will need to use an increment borer that is long enough to go through \u00be of the way through your tree at its widest point. To determine the perfect length calculate the diameter of the tree, divide by 4, and then multiply the answer by 3 to get the perfect measurement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Increment borers can be found at forestry supply stores or online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Start by standing by the tree and place the increment borer, without the extractor, against the middle of the trunk of the tree at breast height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. By turning the handle clockwise and applying firm pressure, screw the borer into the tree until you are two to three inches beyond the central point into the trunk of the tree. It is best to make a mark on the shaft of the borer with a marker pen before you start so you know how far you need to go and when to stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Insert the extractor section and start turning the handle in a counterclockwise direction. This will remove the borer and the sample from the tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. On the core sample, you will see a series of curved lines, which are the rings of the tree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Locate the pith (central point in the tree) and count the rings from that point back to the end before you reach the bark. The number of dark rings gives you the age of the tree, less five to 10 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To calculate the true approximate age, add 7.5 years to the number of rings you counted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you find it difficult to see the rings clearly, you can use 60-grit sandpaper to gently rub down the sample and make the rings more visible. You can also use a magnifying glass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Growth Factor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Professional arborists use a number called the \u201cgrowth factor\u201d to determine the age of a tree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Here\u2019s how to use it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Find the growth factor for the species of tree you are trying to age. For pecan trees, the growth factor is 4.5, as it is in the walnut family.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Measure around the tree’s trunk at your breast height (between four or five feet from the ground) to give you the circumference. If the tree is on uneven ground, stand at the midway point between the high and the low level and take your measurement from there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Next, divide your circumference measurement by pi 3.14 to give you the diameter. This measurement is called the DBH (diameter at breast height).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Multiply the growth factor, 4.5, by the DBH to give you the approximate age of the tree.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      In this video, you can see how a tree is being aged using its growth factor and diameter: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=yGuLDm1-ZtM<\/a>