What does a growth ring indicate in a tree?

A growth ring in a tree signifies a year of growth. Each year, a tree adds a new layer of wood, which forms a ring. This process is influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions such as sunlight, rainfall, and soil quality. In favorable conditions, trees will produce wider rings, indicating a prosperous growth period, while narrower rings can signify stress, such as drought or disease. This annual growth pattern can be observed in the cross-section of a tree trunk, allowing for historical analysis of tree health, environmental changes, and climate patterns over the years. Thus, the presence of growth rings serves as a chronological record of the tree's age and growth history.