HOW DO I NOMINATE A CHAMPION TREE?
To nominate a tree for the North Carolina Champion Tree Program, contact your local County Ranger to request
assistance in measuring the tree. Each tree needs a separate nomination form and all nominations will be accepted with a
complete nomination form that includes the following information:
1. The common name and correct scientific genus and species names for the tree.
2. These three measurements:
• Circumference of the trunk, in inches, measured at 4 ½ feet above the ground
• Total vertical height to the nearest foot
• Average crown spread diameter to the nearest foot
3. Date measured and measurement instruments used.
4. Name, address, phone number and email address of person who measured the tree.
5. Name, address, phone number, and, if available, email address of person who owns the tree.
6. Location of tree – Latitude and longitude, if known. County and town, or nearest town.
7. Directions to find tree, detailed enough so someone unfamiliar with the site can easily find the tree.
8. Owner permission to post location and/or photograph of tree on website/social media. Granting permission to post
location also grants permission for the public to view and/or access tree. Owner can decline permission to post
location and grant permission to post photograph, if photograph does not give indication of location (i.e.,
recognizable house/structure in background, etc.)
9. Description of tree’s physical condition.
10. Name, address, phone number and, if available, email address of person or entity who nominated the tree, if
different from owner.
11. Remarks about tree, if any, such as historical significance, known distinctions, hurricane survivor, etc.
12. Required photographs taken and submitted. Photos can be on CD, DVD, or sent via email to
Jennifer.Rall@ncagr.gov. Please provide high quality digital images when possible.
HOW DO I MEASURE A CHAMPION TREE?
Three measurements are required when you submit your nomination for a Champion Tree.
1. Trunk circumference, in inches, measured at 4 ½’ above the ground (must be at least 9 ½ inches)
2. Vertical height to the nearest foot (must be at least 13 feet)
3. Average crown spread to the nearest foot (no minimum)
Trunk Circumference:
The circumference of the tree is measured in inches at 4 ½ feet above the center of the base of
the tree. If at 4 ½ feet there is an abnormal growth or an existing branch on the trunk, the
circumference is measured at the narrowest point below the growth or branch. If the ground is
not level at the base of the trunk, the circumference is measured at 4 ½ feet on the uphill side
of the tree. Use a string if your tape measure is not long enough to encompass the tree.
Instructions for measuring multi-stem trees or trees with other irregularities can be found at this
web address: https://www.ncforestservice.gov/Urban/pdf/Howtomeasureachampiontree.pdf.
Vertical Height:
The total height of the tree the distance between the base of the tree’s trunk and the topmost twig of the tree, measured to
the nearest foot. The most reliable measurement of a tree’s height is made with a
standard measuring tool such as an Abney hand level, clinometer or transit.
Average Crown Spread:
The crown spread should be measured in two directions, perpendicular to each other, at
the widest portion and the narrowest. The average of the two measurements is taken as
the average crown spread: (A+B)/2 = Average Crown Spread. Measure the crown
spread by putting a marker under the opposite outer
edges of the tree’s crown and measure the distance
between the two markers.
