CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- After reading about this website in several gardening publications, I had to visit and test this out on the trees in my yard.

At the Morton Arboretum's website (www.treetalk.mortonarb.org/areas-of-interest/do-you-know/how-to-tell-a-trees-age/556/), plant conservation biologist Marlin Bowles discusses a newly developed aging chart, adding, "the life histories of the region's old-growth trees are just a measurement away."

Bowles, along with research associate Michael Jones, cites work from a 1996 study of Chicago Wilderness' old-growth forests. The two calculated the age of trees in Chicago region forests by collecting core samples from about 600 area specimens. The cores provided rings for Bowles and Jones to count without harming the tree. The extractions were only 3/16 of an inch wide so the trees' living tissue was minimally affected.

According to the Morton Arboretum website, Bowles says old-forest trees can help nature enthusiasts learn more about the history of their local environment. For example, an area with mostly young trees must have experienced a major logging or fire event that would have eliminated all the older trees. On the other hand, a stand of very old trees means that there has been nothing for a long time to disturb the tree stand.

Here's how to calculate a tree's age. Bowles adds that it helps to have a little botany background and some math skills. (If I can do this, anyone can!)

First, identify the tree species (a tree field identification guide will be helpful). Next, measure the tree's circumference with a tape measure. Wrap the tape around the tree at chest height (4 to 5 feet up) to produce an accurate measurement. Divide the circumference measurement by pi (3.1416) to yield the tree's diameter. Check the accompanying chart to determine the specimen's age.

This measurement technique is about 90 percent accurate for forest-grown trees listed on the chart.

Some trees, because of poor growing conditions, may grow more slowly and, therefore, may be older than their size would suggest. On the other hand, trees grown in the open, like those in a suburban backyard, will be much younger for their size because the added sunlight available to them speeds their growth. Also, as the chart shows, different species grow at different rates.

If your species isn't listed, Horticulture magazine suggests visiting www.forestry.about.com/od/silviculture/a/Estimating-A-Trees-Age.htm. Many more species are listed on this site.

New rain barrels

This email came recently from Bosmere Inc., introducing a new type of rain barrel:

"The purpose of a rain barrel is brilliant: Capture rainfall (save money, conserve water!), and use it when and where you need it. Yet many gardeners forgo them. Why? Access and appearance. It's not always easy to draw the water from them, and they're not especially attractive.

"Those problems are solved with the Pop-Up Rain Barrel. It's made of flexible, puncture-resistant, laminated polyester, so it's durable. Yet it collapses so that it can be easily stored flat when not in use.

"Unlike traditional rain barrels, this one has a mesh top that can be zipped open for dipping a bucket or watering can and then closed again to keep out debris. Or use the on/off spigot to attach a hose. The barrel holds 50 gallons of water, and at only 32 inches high by 25 inches wide, it can be tucked under downspouts even in tight spots."

The barrels are available at www.bosmereusa.com for $95.

Reach Sara Busse at sara.bu...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1249.