Champion Trees
The Georgia Forestry Commission maintains a list of Georgia Champion Trees. Any tree growing in Georgia, whether native, naturalized, or exotic (non-native), may be nominated provided it meets the eligibility standards listed below. To be accepted for consideration, nominations should be submitted to the address below on a form (pdf) provided by the Georgia Forestry Commission or on a neatly printed sheet of paper containing at minimum the following information:
- Correct species, both common name and scientific name
- Circumference of trunk at 4.5 feet in inches
- Total vertical height in feet
- Average crown spread in feet
- Date measured and by whom
- Exact location; should be specific enough to easily locate tree
- Name, address and telephone number of owner
- What is the physical condition of the tree
- Name, address and telephone numbers of person nominating the tree
A photograph of the tree if possible is desirable. Please identify the tree species on the back along with the names of any people in the photo.
Eligibility of Trees
To be eligible as a tree, it must have an erect woody perennial stem or trunk at least 9.5 inches in circumference at 4.5 feet, with a definitely formed crown of foliage and be at least 13 feet in total height.
Measurements
The circumference should be measured at a point on the trunk 4.5 feet above the average ground level. If the tree forks below 4.5 feet, then the largest stem only should be measured. If is swollen or deformed due to forking or other reasons at 4.5 feet, then take the narrowest measurement below that point. This measurement should be reported in inches.
The total vertical height should be reported in feet. If you lack the means to accurately measure the height, estimate it and note this on the entry. You may request assistance from your local Georgia Forestry Unit.
The average crown spread is to be determined by measuring the narrowest spread and the widest spread. Add them together and divide by two to arrive at the average spread. This is to be reported in feet.
Scoring
The Champion Tree of each species will be determined by a point system figured as follows: One point for each inch of circumference plus one point for each foot of height plus one point for each four feet of crown spread totaled. The largest total will be declared champion. Co-champions are declared at the discretion of the State Coordinator. All measurements and identifications may be checked by Georgia Forestry Commission personnel.
National Register of Big Trees
Nominations that appear to be eligible will be forwarded to the National Register of Big Trees maintained by American Forests in Washington DC. The same system of scoring is used in both programs and if accepted in the National Register the tree will be listed as a National champion in Georgia's Champion Tree Register. Only trees species that are recognized as native or naturalized in USDA Handbook #541, Checklist of United States Trees are eligible in the National Program.
Further information
For further information contact your local Georgia Forestry Commission office or:
Willard H. Fell, District Forester
Georgia Forestry Commission
18899 US Highway 301 North
Statesboro, GA 30461
(912) 681-5347
fax : (912) 871-1719
email: wfell@gfc.state.ga.us
