Skip to Main Content
-
Basic tree-ring sample preparation techniques for aging aspen
Author(s): Lance A. Asherin; Stephen A. Mata
Date: 2001
Source: In: Shepperd, Wayne D.; Binkley, Dan; Bartos, Dale L.; Stohlgren, Thomas J.; Eskew, Lane G., comps. Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-18. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 347-354.
Publication Series: Proceedings (P)
Station: Rocky Mountain Research Station
PDF: View PDF (228.46 KB)Note: This article is part of a larger document. View the larger documentDescription
Aspen is notoriously difficult to age because of its light-colored wood and faint annual growth rings. Careful preparation and processing of aspen ring samples can overcome these problems, yield accurate age and growth estimates, and concisely date disturbance events present in the tree-ring record. Proper collection of aspen wood is essential in obtaining usable ring data. Mounting of increment cores and sawn disk samples to wood backings holds samples rigid for easy surfacing. Sequential use of planers, belt sanders, and an assortment of sanding material on the surface of aspen core and disk samples can enhance visibility of tree rings. Application of stain on samples will color the late wood a dark brown and enhance the rings' visibility.Publication Notes
- You may send email to rmrspubrequest@fs.fed.us to request a hard copy of this publication.
- (Please specify exactly which publication you are requesting and your mailing address.)
- We recommend that you also print this page and attach it to the printout of the article, to retain the full citation information.
- This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.
Citation
Asherin, Lance A.; Mata, Stephen A. 2001. Basic tree-ring sample preparation techniques for aging aspen. In: Shepperd, Wayne D.; Binkley, Dan; Bartos, Dale L.; Stohlgren, Thomas J.; Eskew, Lane G., comps. Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-18. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 347-354.Keywords
ecosystem management, ecosystem research, sustainable forests, quaking aspen, Populus tremuloidesRelated Search
- Nitrogen mineralization in aspen/conifer soils after a natural fire
- Aspen overstory recruitment in northern Yellowstone National Park during the last 200 years
- Field measurement of age in quaking aspen in the central Rocky Mountains
XML: View XML
Show More
Show Fewer
https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/35841