Ohio is currently home to 11 national champion Big Trees on the registry of 826 Big Trees maintained by American Forests, a conservation organization based in Washington, D.C.
Since 1940, American Forests has documented the largest known specimens of every native and naturalized tree in the United States. Each Big Tree receives a score based on trunk circumference, crown spread and total height.
You can help.
Ohioans can help find more champion-sized trees in back yards, community parks and cemeteries across the state. Big Trees are generally found in yards, parks, arboretums and cemeteries where their size stands out. They are less frequently found in dense forests where trees have much more competition for growth.
The ODNR Division of Forestry, in partnership with the International Paper Company, is continuing efforts to locate and catalogue Ohio’s Big Trees. They are actively seeking the public’s help with the project.
Nomination Process
The Division of Forestry accepts nominations for potential champions. Anyone can nominate a tree. The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2006 Ohio Big Tree list is July 1, 2006. After July 1, nominations will be accepted and evaluated for the 2007 Big Tree list.
Nominating forms for Ohio’s Big Trees are available on this site. You can take quick preliminary measurements using the diagram available on the form. A wide variety of conifers and deciduous trees thrive in Ohio’s moist, moderate climate. See the index of Ohio trees for more comprehensive information.
ODNR foresters and other experts will assess nominated trees to determine their eligibility for Big Tree honors.