What instrument is used to determine the age of a standing tree?

An increment borer is the instrument specifically designed to determine the age of a standing tree by extracting a small core sample from the tree trunk. When using the increment borer, the tool allows you to extract a cylindrical section of wood that includes the growth rings. Each ring corresponds to one year of growth, enabling an accurate count of the tree's age.

In contrast, the other tools serve different purposes. A measuring tape is used to measure the circumference or height of the tree rather than its age. A caliper is typically used to measure the diameter of the tree trunk but does not provide information about age. A hypsometer is utilized for measuring the height of trees but does not contribute to determining the tree’s age. Thus, the increment borer is uniquely suited for assessing the age through its ability to directly access the growth rings within the wood.