About the program
Minnesota's 52 native tree species are listed in the Big Tree Registry. A nominee for species championship is judged on three measurements: the circumference in inches of its trunk 4 1/2 feet above the ground, its height in feet, and one-quarter of its crown spread in feet.
The total of these measurements is the points awarded to that particular tree. A champion is one that has accumulated the most points. If two trees of the same species have identical scores, the tree with the largest trunk circumference becomes champion.
Everyone is invited to join the search for Minnesota's champion big trees. There are many unreported giants just waiting to be found. To nominate a champion big tree, just fill out the application form. Your nomination must be one of the tree species listed in the registry. All categories of information must be completed for your application form to be accepted. Local federal, state, county, or city foresters can help you verify your tree's species and measurements. Try a local nursery or tree care company for help, too.
You will be notified in writing if your tree is the new champion. Nominated trees that do not surpass the recorded champion are filed as "contenders." When a champion falls, the largest contender of that tree species on file becomes the new champion. Nominations are accepted year-round, but an updated big tree list is produced once-a-year in the summer.
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Example: Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) Measurements: Points: Total points: = 258 |
Did you know there is also a National Register of Big Trees that recognizes champion trees of 826 species and varieties? Minnesota has three national champions included on this list-the jack pine, red pine, and white spruce. In fact, Minnesota's program is set up using much of the same criteria as this national program. For more information on the National Register of Big Trees, contact American Forests 
, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, DC 20013; (202) 955-4500.
