This Tree is the Correct Age - (letter)

August 26, 1988


John Nagy, Plant Materials Specialist
Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio 43210
2003 Millikin Road

Dear John:After inspecting the large Quercus robur on the south side of the library, I offer the following analysis and comments. The increment boring we sampled contained 49 annual rings by my count when viewed under a binocular microscope. If the tree was planted as a three foot tall seedling, approximately two years should be added to this count to allow for the time the tree took to reach breast height (four and one half feet off the ground), where the boring was removed. It also appeared we missed the pith by one or two rings, giving us a total age of 52-53 years for this tree.This would indicate it was planted in about 1936. Coincidence? Confirmation of your theory? Regardless of other evidence unearthed, this tree is without question the same age as the Olympian trees. I hope this information adds a valuable piece to the puzzle you are trying to solve.

Sincerely,


Steven R. Cothrel
Urban Forester