How to tell the age of a tree
History is alive in our woodlands – discover the age of your local trees
1. Find a large tree and choose a point from which to measure it at around four to five feet from the ground, ensuring you choose a part of the tree that is not significantly thicker or thinner than the rest of the trunk.
2. Using a soft and flexible tape measure, measure the girth of the trunk in centimetres.
3. The age of a tree can be calculated by dividing this measurement by its growth factor, the growth factor of some of Britain’s most popular trees can be found below.
Oak: 2
Sycamore: 2.75
Holly: 1.25
Pine or Spruce: 3.25
Elm, Ash or Beech: 2.5
More green living advice from Junior:
Ways to encourage birds into your garden
Growing vegetables with your child
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