Minnesota's Native Big Tree registry is a listing of Minnesota's 53 native trees judged to be the largest in the state.
A nominee is judged on three measurements:
- Circumference, in inches, of its trunk at 4 ½ feet above the ground.
- Its height in feet.
- One-quarter of its crown spread in feet.
The total of these measurements is the points awarded to a particular tree. A champion tree has accumulated the most points.
Measuring a big tree is easy.
Did you know there is also a National Registry of Big Trees that recognizes champion trees nearly 900 species and varieties? Minnesota has five national champions included on this list – the tamarack, black willow, big tooth aspen, and two co-champion Jack pines. In fact, Minnesota's program is set up using much of the same criteria as the national program. For more information on the National Register of Big Trees, contact American Forests, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, DC 20013; 202-737-1944.