Maryland’s Big Tree Program

Maryland residents have shown an interest in “Big Trees,” since the first State Forester, Fred W. Besley compiled the first “Noted Tree List” for Maryland in 1925. As the “Noted Tree List” grew, it became apparent to Mr. Besley that there should be a permanent, published record. He started an intensive search for big trees of all species growing in Maryland, and a statewide contest was held, greatly increasing the number of nominations for Big Tree Champions.

From Mr. Besley’s “Noted Tree List” emerged the National Champion Tree Program in 1940. Today, each state has a designated coordinator who collects data, measures trees, and biannually submits certain trees to the University of Tennessee as potential National Champions. In Maryland, authority for administering the Big Tree program has been granted to the Maryland State Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards since 2007.

Currently there are 137 species of trees with registered examples in Maryland. “Trees” are defined as having a circumference of 9.5” (diameter of 3”), and a height of at least 13’. The registry includes trees that are native or naturalized, meaning they can grow and reproduce on their own. Some of the “native” trees are not native to Maryland, but have been planted and have found to grow well in our climate.

The Maryland Big Tree Program does not keep a list of “exotic” or “invasive” tree species in Maryland. These are defined as trees that are not native, do not naturalize, but can grow in Maryland and are planted in back yards and other landscapes because they have unique features that are attractive. Some of these “exotic” species can grow quite large, such as ginkgo, European beech, horsechestnut, English elm, and others. If these trees are nominated by Maryland citizens, we will measure and register them, but we do not list them as species eligible for championship status.

Why Do We Measure Big Trees?

Registering Big Trees has many benefits:

The program rewards those owners who care for their big trees. About 90% of our registered trees are "backyard trees", as opposed to forest-grown trees. Trees grown in back yards tend to have less competition and receive more nutrients and water from the owners (lawn fertilizers often benefit the trees more than the lawn). Each big tree owner receives a certificate, a thank you letter, and a list of the trees of that species registered in Maryland.
The program supports scientific studies. From time to time the state coordinator is contacted by researchers who are studying a particular species and need to know where the big examples are located.
The program provides a record over time of changes to species distribution. Thirty years ago one would not find examples of Southern magnolias and crape myrtles in northern Maryland; today they are very common. The program helps to document these changes. Finally the program provides locations of rare and unusual species for those who wish to improve their knowledge and identification skills.

Methodology

To evaluate the relative size of a tree, the girth (circumference) in inches and the height and crown spread in feet are added together to arrive at a number of points for each tree. This number is then used for comparison of tree sizes in each species. This system of measuring gives the trunk much better weight by giving the girth in inches. The formula is:

Total Points = Circumference (in) + Height (ft) + 25% of the Average Crown Spread (ft)

Citizens are encouraged to nominate trees in their community. Written permission from the tree’s owner is required in order to measure and register a tree.Trees on public property can usually be measured and registered without written permission, although it is helpful to first check with the public agency in case the property is slated for a project that would affect that tree.

Volunteers from the Maryland Big Tree Program Committee and local Forestry Board members are trained to perform tree measurements. Contact John Bennett for more information at mdbigtreeprogram@aol.com

Rights of Ownership

The registration of a big tree confers no protection or restriction upon the property and its owner.

There are currently no grant funds available to prune, mulch, cable, and otherwise promote the healthy growth and longevity of Maryland Big Trees. On the other hand, the owner of a registered Big Tree retains all property rights of that tree, including the right to remove it at any time for any reason.

Once a tree is measured and registered, it is assigned a number which it will carry forever (deceased trees retain their registered number and are listed in an electronic “deceased” file).

The owner is mailed a certificate of registration, a letter of congratulations, a list of all the registered trees in Maryland of that species, a county-specific brochure explaining the program, and a bumper sticker proclaiming “Proud Owner of a Maryland Big Tree.”

Additional Resources

A Tribute to State Champions, Natural Resources Magazine (Summer 2007)

Seeing the Forest Through the TreesThe planting, growing and protection of trees will ensure a solid forest base for years to come.

The Quiet Giant, The Wye Oak The Wye Oak was Maryland's living symbol of the State Tree, the white oak. The tree was destroyed in a wind storm on June 6, 2002. Read about the history of this "quiet giant".