However, ones ability to accurately measure is only as good as the surface being measured.  Sanding is the principle method of sample preparation and for this job a new addition to the lab will house modern tools for the job.  The TRL staff take great pride in producing finely sanded surfaces for sample measurement.  Over the years we have perfected the techniques of sanding to facilitate the processing of large numbers of samples in short order.  Without such skill and facilities it would not be possible to collect and analyze the large volume of research material that is collected annually be TRL scientists.

The lab has its own, x-ray densitometry system for analyzing seasonal and annual density variations in growth rings of both coniferous and ring-porous species. Density is often highly correlated with climatic variables in the current growing season and its measure is important component for much of our research in high latitudes. Our densitometry system is comprised of a modified microtome for sample preparation, an x-ray exposure machine and darkroom for developing film and a Swiss-built Dendro 2003® workstation.