Radial Stem Growth

Trees are not only growing taller: to supply this year’s shoots with enough water and to guarantee the necessary stability its trunk is growing in width as well. Environmental factors like water supply and temperatures influence this growth. Due to this fact we are able to deduce historical environmental conditions from year-ring-patterns of trees.

However, it is also possible to measure radial stem growth without injuring the tree with a device called a dendrometer. This device registers the circumference or diameter of the tree. In the Botanical Garden and in Innsbruck the growth of trees is watched within the project CITREE.

Stem Growth of Norway Spruce (cm)
CITREE/Innsbruck/1

You could help!   In the citizen science project   Bernie   you can determine the diameter of trees and thereby contribute to the knowledge about city trees.