Sampling for tree-ring studies involves removing increment cores from living trees or cross sections from dead trees. … Remnant trees can be cored, but be careful; it is more difficult to start the borer in dry heartwood and decayed sapwood will often jam the borer. Increment cores are sampled with increment borers.

How are tree cores taken?

Tree cores, which are approximately 3 inches long, are obtained by using an increment borer.

How do you get a tree core?

Coring a tree entails twisting the borer (which is like a cross between a drill and a screw) into a tree. The tip of the borer is hollow, so as we twist the borer in, it screws in around a pencil-sized section of tree.