Grand Tree Information

Grand trees are determined by adding the circumference, height, and average spread of a tree  together.  If the sum  equals or is greater than a predetermined point total for your tree, it is considered a Grand Tree .

Here's the formula:

circumference + height  + (average spread/4) = total points 

Circumference

Measured around the outside of the tree.  You get 1 point for each inch of circumference.

Measure around the trunk at a point 4.5 feet from the ground. If a swelling, branch, or other obstruction occurs at 4.5 feet, measure below the obstruction where the circumference is the least. Measure forked trees at the point below the fork where the circumference is the least.

Height

From the highest point in the tree to the ground.  You get 1 point for each foot of height.

Height is measured as the distance in feet between the base of the tree's trunk and the topmost twig.

Height is usually much more difficult to measure than girth, especially given the extra-ordinary size of most champion trees. Obviously it's not feasible to climb a tree and drop a tape measure from the tip of the highest branch. Precise measurements require the use of a sophisticated instrument, such as a transit, hypsometer or relascope. Hand-held devices like an Abney level or clinometer can yield accurate data if used carefully. In the absence of such a measuring tool, a rough estimate can be obtained by a simple manual sighting technique using a straight ruler, tape measure and a little trigonometry.

Average spread

A combination of two measurements. Measure from drip line to drip line in one direction and then in a second direction. Add these two numbers and divide by 2.  Now take the average spread and divide by four to get the number of points for the spread. You get 1 point for each 4’ of average spread. 

Grand Tree Point Totals:

• Camphor – 200 points
• Cypress – 200 points
• Elm – 200 points
• Holly – 125 points
• Maple – 175 points
• Magnolia – 175 points
• Oak – 175 points
• Pine - 175 points
• Red Cedar – 200 points
• Sweet Gum – 200 Points
• Sycamore – 200 points