How to determine the age of a pine: is it possible to find out how old a tree is, ways
For people who do not understand botany, determining the age of a tree can be difficult. However, each culture has its own methods of evaluation. At the same time, many are interested in how to determine the age of a pine tree. To do this, it is permissible to use different methods. To do this, pay attention to the height, diameter, color and structure of the bark of the culture. It will also be possible to estimate the age of the plant by whorls.
By sawing
Every person knows from childhood that you can find out the age of a tree by the number of annual rings on the back of the stump. They are concentric circles. There is an opinion that each such circle on the culture appears during the year.
To reliably estimate the age of the plant, it is recommended to count the circles from the central part of the dark color in the direction of the bark. To get a more accurate value, add 5 to the resulting figure. For a young tree, add no more than 3-4.
If you study the appearance of the circles well, you will be able to notice that they differ in color and thickness. This is determined by climatic factors that are observed in different years. Differences in concentric circles make it possible to determine whether the year was warm or cold, rainy or dry. The widest rings are typical for young plants.
Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionSome people have difficulty counting rings. To make the circles more clearly visible, the cut can be processed with sandpaper and moistened with water.No cutting
It will be possible to determine the age of a pine tree by its appearance. In this case, cutting or damaging it is not required. There are many ways to find out the age of a tree. To do this, it is permissible to measure the diameter or height of the trunk. You can also count the number of whorls.
By height
It is believed that the higher the tree, the older it is. At the initial stage of development, pine adds 40-50 centimeters per year. At the same time, by the age of 30-40, its development can significantly accelerate. In this case, the annual growth is up to 1 meter during the year.
However, this method is unlikely to be suitable for very old trees. When they reach 40 meters, they no longer increase. At the same time, more active dying off of the lower shoots and less significant crown splendor may indicate age.
Rating by diameter
To determine the age of a pine by its diameter, it is recommended to do the following:
- Measure the girth of the trunk with a tape measure. At the same time, it is important to retreat 1.4 meters from the surface of the earth.
- To determine the diameter, you need to divide the thickness of the barrel by 3.14.
- To determine the age, it is required to divide the resulting diameter by the growth factor of the tree circumference. For pine, this figure is 0.7.
To understand this issue in more detail, we can give a simple example. So, the circumference of a tree trunk is 152 centimeters. Thus, its diameter will be equal to 152: 3.14=48.4 centimeters. After that, the resulting value must be divided by the annual increase. This is done according to the formula 48.4: 0.7=69 years. This will be the approximate age of the culture.
With whorls
Whirls are fan-shaped shoots that appear on a tree every year. They are located at approximately the same height. By counting the number of such branches, it will be possible to determine the approximate age of the pine tree.
When calculating the number of whorls, it is recommended to inspect the trunk very carefully so as not to miss the shoots. In this case, calculations can be carried out in the following ways:
- Determine the number of whorls that are above the human chest and add 1 to the resulting value. This must be done taking into account the upper part of the culture.
- Determine the total number of whorls on the tree. In this case, it is recommended to start with a smooth trunk. You need to add the number 3 to the obtained value. This is due to the fact that whorls begin to appear on this coniferous tree no earlier than 3 years.
Definition by bark
You can also determine the age of a tree by the appearance of the bark. However, this method is considered very exemplary. With its help, it will be possible to understand whether a tree is young or old.
The fact is that young crops are characterized by gray bark.As it develops, it acquires brown-red hues. From below, the bark has long cracks that are located longitudinally. In addition, a thick crust about 10 centimeters in size is formed there. From above, the bark is distinguished by an orange-red tint and a smooth structure. In this case, peeling of thin films is observed, which have torn edges.
You can estimate the age of a pine using a variety of methods. This is done by annual rings and by the appearance of the tree. In order not to cut down a coniferous crop, you should pay attention to visual signs - the height and diameter of the trunk, the number of whorls, the structure and color of the bark.
