Abstract: The application and development of image recognition to the tree-ring research has both important value and practical significance. In this study, the new techniques of image processing were described on the basis of understanding its development course, and major advances in the subject over the world were reviewed. Many latest national progresses were reviewed emphatically on aspects of studying regions, approaches and methodologies, and applications. Inadequate aspects and prospects of image recognition studies in dendrochronology were also summarized. It was clear that the degree of automation, efficiency and measuring precision were impressively improved as the traditional manual operation was substituted by image processing and pattern recognition technology in tree-ring researches. Although the application of image recognition in dendrochronology is at its start stage, it will have obvious technical advantages and a wide prospect in the future.