ATLANTA — The University of West Georgia is working with Cobb Landmarks to determine the age of some of Atlanta’s older buildings by studying the tree rings found in wood used to construct them.

The process, known as dendrochronology, allows researchers to date wood by analyzing its tree rings. University of West Georgia Assistant Geography Professor Andrew Ivester said the research can also reveal where the wood originated.

“It can also give you information about where the wood came from because we can match ringlet patterns with chronologies from around the region,” Ivester said.

Researchers have found that much of the wood being studied did not originate in Atlanta. Instead, it came from South Georgia and South Alabama.

“The wood that we’re dating from structures in Atlanta is actually not from Atlanta,” Ivester said.

Ivester said some of the wood was transported to Atlanta by railroad during the late 1800s.

“Some of this wood was brought to Atlanta by rail in the 1880’s or 1890’s,” Ivester said.

The findings are also providing insight into the history of Georgia’s timber industry. Ivester said lumbermen at the time were concerned about the state’s available timber supply.

“Georgia lumbermen were estimating that Georgia only had a nine year supply of timber left at the current rate of consumption,” Ivester said.

Researchers have also discovered wood from a tree that was 354 years old when it was cut.

“This tree that was cut in the 1890’s started growing in the 1550’s,” Ivester said.

More results from the project are expected in about two months.

WSB Radio’s Lisa Nicholas contributed to this story.