In dendrochronology, the most serious limitation is that more variables affect tree growth and health than just moisture availability. Tree growth itself is very complex, as is interaction with the surrounding environment.
What do thick tree rings indicate?
In areas where the length of the growing season is the limiting factor, the thickness of tree rings can indicate when growing seasons were longer (during warmer times) and when growing seasons were shorter (cooler times). The study of the growth of tree rings is known as dendrochronology.
How do you calculate tree years?
Start in the middle of the stump or cross-section of wood and count the first dark ring you see. Continue counting outwards from the middle ring until you reach the last dark ring. The total number of dark rings represents the age of the tree in years.