What is an increment borer?

An increment borer is a tool used to evaluate different aspects of a tree, including age and sound. Increment borers may also be used to detect pollution, signs of decay, chemical penetration and wood density.

Increment borers are available in various sizes, core diameters and lengths to evaluate a variety of trees and wood. They are made of carbide steel. A borer should be 75 percent the diameter of the tree to be bored. Maintaining a sharp borer is critical to taking quality samples from the tree to be evaluated.There are three basic parts to the borer: the extractor, the steel shaft and the handle.