To assist in obtaining properties of the rings in a digital image of a tree cross section, edge detection can be employed. Various edge detection methods are tested on a sample tree cross section to determine which one can provide sufficient detection of the ring edges. Noise reduction and edge enhancement algorithms are examined for their usefulness in aiding the edge detection process. Algorithms for obtaining ring area, and a count of the number of rings, are presented. The computation of ring area is achieved by obtaining spline approximations to the rings. This is accomplished by using an edge tracking algorithm to track each individual ring. Three different methods of edge tracking are examined for this purpose. A case study on the sample cross section is provided to demonstrate the procedure for obtaining the spline approximations to the rings.