Increment Borer is used to

• A. take core samples from trees to determine age or detect problems
• B. determine tree species
• C. measure trunk diameter
• D. apply preservatives to the trunk

Answer: (A)

Increment borer is used to remove a small cylinder of wood from a living tree so you can examine its growth rings. By counting those rings, you can estimate the tree’s age and assess past growth conditions. The core can also reveal signs of problems like decay, insect damage, or stress, helping you evaluate tree health without cutting it down. Determining species is usually done from leaves, bark, or wood anatomy, not by coring. Measuring trunk diameter is done with a tape or caliper, and applying preservatives is a treatment process, not something you do with a core sample.