The color and width of tree rings can provide snapshots of past climate conditions. The light-colored rings represent wood that grew in the spring and early summer, while the dark rings represent wood that grew in the late summer and fall. One light ring plus one dark ring equals one year of the trees life.

What does a thick ring on a tree indicate?

Each year, a tree adds to its girth, the new growth being called a tree ring. 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).

What do small tree rings mean?

The light-colored rings represent wood that grew in the spring and early summer, while the dark rings represent wood that grew in the late summer and fall. One light ring plus one dark ring equals one year of the trees life. The color and width of tree rings can provide snapshots of past climate conditions.

Are tree rings good or bad?

While rubber mulch rings are easy to install and last for years, the bottom line is theyre not the best for trees. Rubber mulch rings are less effective than natural mulch and can possibly hurt your tree. Research shows the rings can slow tree growth, turn tree leaves yellow and increase tree mortality.

What are the dark rings on the tree called?

Diameter Growth Each year, the tree forms new cells, arranged in concentric circles called annual rings or annual growth rings. These annual rings show the amount of wood produced during one growing season.