Estimating the date of a single bole scar by counting tree rings in increment cores

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Abstract
This paper describes a method of estimating the date of single bole scars, evaluates its accuracy, and describes circumstances suited and unsuited to its use. This technique involves counting tree rings in cores taken through and on either side of a scar so that the ring including or preceding the scar can be identified and dated. Twenty-five single scars ranging in age from 9 to 247 years were dated by this technique, by counting rings in wedges cut with a saw and by crossdating prescar growth as the standard of comparison. Sixteen of 21 dates obtained by counting rings in increment cores were equal to those based on crossdating; errors ranged from −2 to +3 years, with one exception. This core counting technique should prove useful for estimating scar dates when crossdating is infeasible because of infrequent marker rings or insufficient prescar growth (e.g., caused by rot) and cutting boles is not convenient or allowed. However, it should be evaluated for each species and locale to determine if estimated dates will be accurate enough to meet study objectives.