Services and pricing
Dendrolab.ch offers professional tree‑ring analysis and imaging services for research institutions, public administrations, heritage and conservation agencies, engineering offices and private clients. We combine cutting‑edge laboratory infrastructure with more than two decades of experience in dendrochronology and dendroecology in mountain environments.
If you are not familiar with tree‑ring methods, do not worry: we are happy to discuss your questions in clear, non‑technical language and to help you find the most appropriate approach for your project.
Tree‑ring dating
Living trees
We provide dendrochronological dating and growth analysis of living trees, typically based on increment cores collected in the field. Applications include age determination, stand‑history reconstruction, analysis of growth responses to disturbances and climate, and the assessment of forest functions in protective forests and other mountain environments. On request, we can support or organize field sampling and provide protocols for safe and minimally invasive coring.
Archaeological and historical material
For archaeological wood, historic buildings and wooden artefacts, we offer dendroarchaeological dating using our reference chronologies and established procedures. We can work with cores, wedges or small fragments and provide calendar‑year felling dates or date ranges where possible. Results are delivered as a concise report that includes a description of the methods, matching statistics and interpretative comments in a form that is suitable for archaeologists, heritage professionals and non‑specialists.
Contact for subfossil and archaeological samples
For questions and expert opinions on subfossil and archaeological material, please contact François Blondel (Francois.Blondel@unige.ch). François is the main contact person for the assessment and interpretation of archaeological samples.
Wood anatomy and species determination
We analyse wood anatomy from macro‑ and microscopic features to identify tree species or species groups in modern and archaeological material. This service is useful when the species is unknown, when species confirmation is required for legal, conservation or research reasons, or when anatomical details are needed for dendroecological or dendroarchaeological studies. Depending on the state of the samples, we use surface preparation, thin‑sectioning and high‑resolution imaging (Atrics, GigaMacro and/or Zeiss Axioscan 7) to document diagnostic anatomical traits.
The outcome of a wood‑anatomical analysis is typically a short report summarizing the observed features, the most probable species or species group and any limitations related to sample quality or preservation.
Slide and thin‑section preparation and scanning
Preparation of slides and thin sections
We prepare high‑quality thin sections of wood and rock samples using our Leica embedding station and rotary microtome. Sections can be delivered as mounted slides ready for microscopy or scanning, with standard or project‑specific thickness and staining protocols. We can also advise on the most suitable preparation method depending on your scientific or applied objectives.
Scanning and imaging with the Zeiss Axioscan 7
We offer a scanning service for prepared slides (wood, rock or other thin sections) with the Zeiss Axioscan 7 slide scanner. The output consists of high‑resolution digital images (virtual slides) in standard formats suitable for quantitative analysis, teaching, publication and long‑term archiving. On request, we can perform basic image quality control, apply standardized file naming and provide simple annotations, for example by marking regions of interest.
Contact for scanning and imaging
For questions and bookings related to scanning and imaging with the Zeiss Axioscan 7, please contact Jérôme Lopez‑Saez (Jerome.lopez-saez@unige.ch). Jérôme is available on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday for sample reception, consultation and user support.
Pricing
General principles
Our prices depend on the type and condition of the material, the number of samples and the complexity of the requested analysis. Academic and public institutions may benefit from reduced rates when projects contribute to our research and reference chronologies. For larger projects, framework agreements or project‑based pricing can be discussed.
At present, we prefer to provide detailed prices on request, as each project has its own specific requirements. Below we give an overview of typical service categories.
Typical service categories
- Tree‑ring dating of living trees (per sample or per project).
- Tree‑ring dating of archaeological and historical wood (per sample).
- Wood‑anatomical species determination (per sample).
- Thin‑section preparation of wood and rock samples (per slide).
- Slide scanning and imaging with the Zeiss Axioscan 7 (per hour or per batch of slides).
For each project, we will prepare a tailored quote that specifies the services included, the estimated number of samples, the expected timeline and the total cost.
How to request a quote
To request a quote or more information, please send us an email with the following information:
- Type of material (e.g. living trees, archaeological wood, building timbers, wood or rock thin sections).
- Number of samples and approximate dimensions.
- Condition of the material (e.g. fresh, weathered, decayed, subfossil).
- Your main questions or objectives (e.g. dating, species identification, imaging only).
- Any specific deadlines or constraints (e.g. excavation reports, conservation decisions, project timelines).
Based on this information, we will get back to you with a non‑binding offer and practical instructions for shipping or delivering your samples.