Spring is a great time of the year for sports. Baseball and lacrosse are starting. College basketball’s March madness turns into April’s crowned champions—the same week as the Masters. Nirvana for sports lovers! But did you realize there are hundreds of champion trees?
What is a champion tree you ask? Champion trees are the largest specimen of a given species on a county, state, and national level. Many Marylanders remember the Wye Oak which was the national champion White Oak before falling in a thunderstorm in June 2002. The nonprofit association American Forests manages the national database and various state and county government agencies maintain local records. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources manages the program here in Maryland http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/trees/bigtree.asp . Trees are measured by point system: Circumference in inches, Height in feet, and ¼ Crown Spread in feet = Total Points. There are 16 Prince George’s county champion trees and 4 state champions here on the UMCP campus.
IAA students and alumni manage some of the most beautiful landscapes in world and are in an ideal position to notice large trees on golf courses, farms, and private properties. While several champion trees are over 100’ tall, remember, the records are maintained for each species and some champions may only be 20’ tall. Check the state and county database and make comparisons. Both the nominator and the property owner receive recognition.
Below, 1999 IAA graduate Bryan Bupp measures the Montgomery County champion Hackberry tree at the golf course he manages, Bretton Woods Recreation Center in Germantown, MD.
