A: The only way to know for certain how old a tree is to either cut it down or bore into the bark. The first method will obviously kill the tree and I am sure you do not wish use that procedure. The second method requires a special tool called an increment borer. An increment borer puts a permanent hole in the tree which can potentially introduce disease. A perfect cross section of the tree is removed by the borer. The rings are then counted which would enable us to determine an approximate age.

If you believe you have a large, champion tree consider contacting the Nassau County Forester, David Holly. He would definitely be interested in checking your tree out. If you indeed have an old or very large tree, David will assist you through the procedure of how to add your tree to the Florida registry. I know you did not ask this question but the study of tree rings to calculate age is called dendrochronology. Sounds like the perfect trivia question to open up a normal family dinner conversation doesn’t it?

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