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

This paper describes a method of estimating the date of single bole scars, evaluates its accuracy, and describes cir-cumstances suited and unsuited to its use. This technique involves counting tree rings in cores taken through and oneither side of a scar so that the ring including or preceding the scar can be identified and dated. Twenty-five singlescars ranging in age from 9 to 247 years were dated by this technique, by counting rings in wedges cut with a sawand by crossdating prescar growth as the standard of comparison. Sixteen of 21 dates obtained by counting rings inincrement 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 ofinfrequent 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 enoughto meet study objectives.