Variability of latewood-widths and -stable isotope ratios in a sessile oak tree (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.)

Axial variation of latewood-widths and -stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) of a single sessile oak tree (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) was analyzed. The influence of sampling height was found to be weak for both, latewood-widths and -stable isotopes in the latewood. The observed trends with stem-height show clearly that possible effects due to cambial aging are overrated by annual effects. In addition, relations between samples from different stem-heights are strong for identical calendar years while they are poor for identical cambial age. This indicates that samples from both, living trees and historical wood can be taken from any height position of a trunk or beam as long they are free from anatomical abnormities. Simple correlation and Gleichläufigkeit were used for validation.