Tree-ring dating

Dendrochronology

Taking a dendro core sample. Dr Andy Moir, Tree-Ring Services, 10 Sept 2014.Taking a dendro core sample. Dr Andy Moir, Tree-Ring Services, 10 Sept 2014.Tree-ring dating (dendrochronology) is the science that measures the width of the annual growth rings of trees, and then relates the pattern of widths to databases of thousands of other records.

This can indicate the felling date of the tree, sometimes to within a period of years and sometimes to an exact year. Narrow core samples, removal of which does not harm the structure of the timber, are taken using a hollow drill.

More on how tree-ring dating works is explained on the website of dendrochronologist Dr. Andy Moir.

During our visit we can give guidance on this and other opportunities to research your property, and some of our members can provide a professional service.