Pine trees & growth rings

The science of counting growth rings to work outthe age of trees and wood is called…

The science of counting growth rings to work outthe age of trees and wood is called…

Dendrochronology

Radiata pine is a popular tree species grown in plantations in NSW

Each year, Radiata pine trees add a growth ring.The rings may be thick or thin depending on the growing season.

Good year, fast growth = thick ring

Each year, Radiata pine trees add a growth ring.The rings may be thick or thin depending on the growing season.

Poor year, slow growth = thin ring

Each year, Radiata pine trees add a growth ring.The rings may be thick or thin depending on the growing season.

Native Australian trees like gum trees (Eucalypts) don’t have annual growth rings like pine trees

They grow evenly all year round, making

it hard to count the rings and tell the age

of the tree.

Can you count the growth rings of this tree slice to tell the age

of the tree?

1yr

It takes 33 years for a plantation pine tree to be ready for final harvest.

Did you know?

5yrs

10yrs

15yrs

20yrs

33yrs

Did you know? Forests NSW sells enough timber to construct 25%

of the houses built in Australia

every year.

2011 is International Year of Forests

Celebrate NSW State forests and all they have

to offer…

Visit us at:www.industry.nsw.gov.au/forests