Ralph Walter wrote:

>
> Would somebody please explain to me how you know when the tree was cut
> without having the outermost layer of wood (and therefore the bark) still in
> place?  I understand how you can determine the sequence of years before it
> was cut, but without the bark, how do you know you're not looking at some
> sequence long before it was cut?  Huh?
>
> Ralph
>
> Ralph

You are correct in recognizing that a wane edge (outermost growth ring) of the
timber being dendrochronoligized must be present.  The dendro work done here in
North Carolina - largely in the eastern part of the state- was performed by Jack
Heikkenen of Blacksburg VA.  He developed a statistical methodology - which he
patented - for comparing the width of one growth ring with the width of the
subsequent ring. As I recall he required a minimum of eight samples per
structure .  Joists, rafters and other timbers with a wane edge were needed to
be statistically accurate.  He would then identify a series of key years and
compare these to a known dated sample to determine when the tree was felled.
He was charging a couple of thousand plus expenses for this service.

Like Mr. Becker, I too must disclaim my correspondence.  Must be some kind of
localized Tarheel bureaucratic deal.

--

F. Mitchener Wilds, Senior Restoration Specialist
Restoration Branch
State Historic Preservation Office
919/733-6547
http://www.hpo.dcr.state.nc.us

***My opinions may not be those of my agency.***