What is a Champion Tree?
A Champion Tree is one that is judged to be the largest of its species according to a standard measuring formula. This formula is a point system based on trunk circumference (in inches measured at 41/2 feet) + Height (in feet) + 1/4 Average Crown Spread (in feet)
To be eligible, a tree must be native to or naturalized in the continental United States, including Alaska (Not Hawaii). Hybrids and minor varieties are excluded. The standard for judging whether a tree qualifies for acceptance is Elbert L. Little Jr.’s Checklist of United States Trees (Native or Naturalized), published in 1979 as U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Handbook 541. To find out if a particular species is eligible you can also go to the National Register of Big Trees at www.americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees