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Searcy, AR on Sep 26, 2011

Any safe way to find out how old a Catalpa tree is?

We have a HUGE one in our backyard. Our house was built in 1940, but when my husband's family moved in, in 1961, it was already about 4'-5' thick. Now it's easily 8'-9'. Can I go by it's growth during that time to accurately judge? From what I hear, it's not even a commonly grown tree around here.... ? I'm in zone 7, Central AR. It has to be unusual... it's certainly precious to us!

5 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

Experienced tree experts can safely take a small core sample to determine the age of a tree. You could call around, or these guys seem pretty knowledgeable:
http://www.giraffetree.com/Tree-Care-Service... ...»

Another option is to call your local cooperative extension office. If they can't help you, they can at least point you in a good direction:
http://www.uaex.edu/findus/county_offices.ht...
Good luck, and let us know what they find. It's a great tree that just begs to be climbed.

on Sep 26, 2011 · Like 1
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

The Arkansas Champion catalpa is 15 ft around and 65 ft tall.
Check it out at http://forestry.arkansas.gov/Pages/ChampionT...

on Sep 27, 2011 · Like 1
Julie Searcy, AR

Wow thank you both! Walter, we will measure it -- it's gotta be close to the AR champion. Maybe beat by height, but not by much (maybe 5-10'). I'd love to nominate it (off that site) when we get measurements. And yes Steve, it's a great climbing tree -- my husband grew up here and climbed it a LOT as a boy. Now we just admire it :) ha

on Sep 27, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

In grad school while working on my masters degree in botany...we "cored" many trees...nothing as huge as this as our tools were only about 18" long. With that they may be able to get a ball park count on rings per foot or 6" or so and extrapolate from there based on overall diameter etc.
You could also check with your local historical society if you have one...they might have some old photos of the neighbor hood...you might get lucky and find one with a date ...»

from Wikpedia
The largest living catalpa tree is on the grounds of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, Michigan; it was planted in the year of its dedication, 1879. The oldest is the 150-year-old specimen in the Minster graveyard of St Mary's Butts in the English town of Reading in Berkshire, although this is soon to be replaced, passing the claim to Rochester's 140-year-old catalpa situated in front of the town's cathedral.

on Sep 27, 2011 · Like 1
Julie Searcy, AR

Yeah I think we'll need a pro to do that :) I might screw it up! Right now we're trying to locate a company that knows these trees & can trim it properly. I don't want to lose it if done wrong. But a large branch is now growing over our veggie garden and blocking all kinds of light. A large branch must come off, but without damaging the tree --I'm a big veggie gardener but will compromise :) I love that tree.

on Sep 28, 2011 · Like 0