Forestry
Champion Trees
What is a Champion Tree? A Champion tree is one that is usually
the largest representative of its particular species. Champions are ranked
based on a points system. A tree's points are calculated by adding the trunk
circumference or girth (in inches), the height (in feet), and 1/4 of its average
crown spread (in feet). What’s so special about a Champion tree is how big they
often are. Standing next to the largest Southern Red Oak tree in Arkansas is
humbling.
How are big trees measured? The circumference or girth is
measured in inches at 4 1/2 feet above the ground (or diameter at breast height)
at mid-slope, if there is any slope. The circumference measurement then equals
the circumference points. The tree height is measured in feet and that height
equals the height points. The crown, or the canopy of the tree is measured in
feet and one quarter of that measurement equals the crown point. The total
points is the sum of each of these tree measurements.
CIRCUMFERENCE POINTS + HEIGHT POINTS + CROWN POINTS = TOTAL
POINTS
For example, if we have a Shortleaf Pine that is 111 inches in
circumference, 125 feet tall with a crown spread of 61 feet then the total
points or the Bigness Index can be calculated as follows:
111 inches circumference + 125 feet height + 1/4 (61 feet crown
spread) = 251 points
If there are no other trees with as many points, then this tree
becomes our state Shortleaf Pine Champion.
There are State and National Champions. The
National
Register of Big Trees is a compilation of the largest representatives of over 269 native and
naturalized tree species in the U.S. The register was established in 1940 and is
administered by American Forests.
Arkansas has five National Champions. They are a persimmon tree,
loblolly pine, alligator juniper, florida chinkapin, and a rusty blackhaw. The
State Champions are verified by the Arkansas Forestry Commission but can be
nominated by anyone. To nominate a tree, you can identify the species, collect
the three required measurements, take a few photographs, and contact the
Arkansas Forestry Commission for verification. Or, you can call your local
Arkansas
Forestry Commission.
One University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Agent has found
30 State Champions. To read his articles about Arkansas’ State Champs, select a species
below:
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