What is the instrument used to take core samples of trees called?

The instrument used to take core samples of trees is known as an increment borer. This specialized tool allows foresters and researchers to extract a narrow core of wood from a tree without causing significant damage to the tree itself. The core obtained contains multiple growth rings, which provide valuable information about the age of the tree, its growth rate, and environmental conditions over time.

Increment borers are crucial for studies in forest ecology, management, and conservation, as they help assess the health and growth patterns of trees and forests. By analyzing the growth rings, one can infer data such as past climate conditions, disturbances, and competition, thus enabling informed decisions regarding forest management practices.

In contrast, while a tree auger could also be used to extract material from a tree, it does not specifically provide the same detailed growth information that an increment borer does. Diameter tape is primarily used for measuring the girth of a tree trunk, and a soil probe is designed to sample soil rather than wood. Thus, the increment borer is the appropriate choice for taking core samples from trees effectively.