Your nomination must be one of Minnesota's 53 native tree species listed in the registry. All information must be included 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.
While measuring your tree, also take a photo and the following data for the nomination form:
County where found
City (or closest city)
Condition of tree
Comments (to help identify the tree)
Location of Tree
Address, City, Zip
GPS Coordinates
Detailed directions to tree
Date measured
Owner of tree
2. Check to see how your tree compares to the current champions
3. Take a photo (or a few)
Images help identify and tell the story of trees on Minnesota’s registry. Send a couple along with your nomination!
Helpful photos include images of the full tree, a branch with leaves, and the tape measure around the tree’s trunk. A photo of a person or other object next to the tree for scale is useful too!
Note: For consideration on the National Champion Tree registry, you will need more photos! Learn more about national program image requirements. The Minnesota Big Tree Program verifies state submissions to the National program, so you might want to take additional photos when you nominate a tree if you think it might be a national champ.
4. Fill out the application form
You will be notified of receipt of your application and informed if your tree falls short or surpasses the current champion. If your nomination is very close to or surpass the points of the current champion, the species and measurements will be verified by a DNR forester.