Website produced and maintained for the Hungerford Historical Association
by Hugh Pihlens

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The age of old trees can be estimated by measuring their circumference (girth), and applying a small calculation.

Different trees grow at different rates, and the calculation gives an approximate age only.

• Using a tape measure or ruler, measure 1.5 metres from the ground.
• Then from this point, measure the girth (circumference) of the tree in centimetres.

Trees grow at different speeds with the circumference increasing at an average of 2.5cm a year. The figures below show the rate at which different trees grow:

Use these figures to calculate the age of your chosen trees. Divide the circumference by the growth rate for your tree. A calculator may help!

For example, if your chosen tree is an oak tree that measures 110cm, you would need to do the following sum: 110 / 1.88 = 58.5 year (approximate!)

An oak tree would need a girth of about 900cm (9 metres) to have dated from the time of Henry VIII - (900 / 1.88 = 480 years: c1530).

Updated: 1.11.2010