The tree ring reader.
Pick a kind of tree, set the trunk size and read the rings of a cross-section, then estimate how old the tree is. Move across the stump to read the years and take a core sample. Free, with no signup.
- Twelve local trees
- An age estimate
- Free, no signup
A core is a pencil-thin strip taken with a hollow drill. It lets an arborist count rings without hurting the tree.
How to measure
- Wrap a tape around the trunk about 4.5 feet off the ground.
- Divide the circumference by 3.14 to get the diameter.
- Ring widths in the picture are illustrative; the age is a planning estimate.
Saved. Your choices will travel with the estimate form below.
Four ideas behind every ring.
One ring, one year
A light band of spring wood and a dark band of late wood make a year of growth.
Wide and narrow
Wide rings mean good growing years. Narrow ones mean drought, shade or stress.
Species matter
Fast growers add more wood each year than slow ones, so size alone is only a guide.
Cores, not cuts
An arborist can count rings with a thin core, without harming the tree.
Learn more about each one.
26Tree Health CareTree Health AssessmentA diagnosis before a treatment.
25Tree Health CareArborist ConsultationAsk about the tree before you decide.
27Tree Health CareTree Risk AssessmentLikelihood. Consequence. A plan.
33Planting and Landscape TreesTree Selection and Planting PlansPick trees for fifty years, not five.
46Commercial and Property CareTree Inventory and Management PlansA map, a list and a plan.
28Tree Health CareDisease and Pest ManagementTargeted care, not blanket spraying.Tree Ring Reader questions
How can I tell if a tree is dying or dangerous?
Dead branches over half the crown, deep cracks, mushrooms at the base, heaved soil and a lean that has changed are all warning signs. Our Tree Health Checker gives a first read, and an arborist visit gives a real answer.
Can you save a tree instead of removing it?
Often. Pruning, cabling, soil care and pest treatment can extend a tree's life. We will tell you honestly whether a tree is worth saving.
How do I get a price for tree work?
Fill in the form on any page, or call or text 615-431-3789. A few photos and a rough height are often enough for a first number, and larger or trickier jobs start with a short visit. You get a written scope and price before any work begins.
Curious about an older tree?
Send a photo and the trunk size and an arborist will tell you what we see and what the tree needs.