How do we compute the age of a living tree?

The age of a living tree is calculated by either counting the number of rings present in the trunk of the tree or by comparing the diameter of the trunk of the tree with average growth factor of that tree (which is found from records).

The method of calculating the age of the tree by counting the number of annual growth rings of the tree is known as Dendro-Chronology.

The diameter of the tree is found by dividing the circumference of the tree trunk by 3.14. Then the diameter is multiplied with the tree’s average growth factor to find the approximate age of the tree in years.

The growth factor of the tree is the annual gain in width of the trunk. This growth factor is available from records. Or this can also be found by measuring the rings of a dead tree from the same species.