What Makes a Tree a Champion?

A Champion Tree is the largest specimen of its species. Species vary in size, age and growth habitat. As a general rule, forest trees will be taller, thinner and have a smaller crown compared to counterparts grown in more open environments. For example, a slow-growing white oak with a girth of 17 feet and a height of 100 feet may be over 300 years old, while a faster-growing black locust can reach old age and champion size within 100 years. 

How Trees Are Rated

Ratings are determined by adding three numbers:

• Circumference or girth (in inches)
• Height (in feet)
• 25% of average crown spread (in feet)

High score wins.

Circumference (CBH) is normally measured at breast height, ~4½ feet above ground.

Get help scoring a tree: American Forests website

Champion Trees Brochure

View List of Champion Trees

View Champion Trees on interactive map.