The purpose of the Champion Tree program is to discover, recognize, and preserve the largest tree of each species in Alabama. Anyone can nominate a tree for Champion Tree designation by completing an on-line nomination form; however, an Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) forester is responsible for collecting the tree’s measurements.
When determining a champion, three of the tree’s components are taken into consideration: circumference, height, and crown spread. The formula used to determine the size of a tree is as follows: one point for each inch of circumference, plus one point for each foot of height, plus one point for each four feet of the average crown spread.
For a tree to be eligible for the Champion Tree program, it must be a species that is recognized as native or naturalized in Alabama. A naturalized tree is an “introduced” species that has established itself in the wild, reproducing naturally and spreading.
Once a new champion is identified, both its owner and nominator receive a certificate. The nominator is also presented with a permanent tree marker that is to be placed in proximity to the base of the tree. New champions are added to the Champion Trees of Alabama publication which can be found on the AFC website at: www.forestry.alabama.gov.
If you know of a tree that you think might be the largest of its species in the state, you are encouraged to send in a nomination. To complete a nomination form on-line, visit the AFC website and click on the “Champion Tree Program” fast link found on the home page.
Due to limited AFC resources, a nominator is strongly encouraged to review the measurements of the current champion to get an idea if the candidate tree’s score has a chance of defeating it before sending a nomination. After all, there are millions of “big” trees in Alabama, but to be a CHAMPION it must be THE “biggest!” Nominations may be sent in year-round, but for a tree to be eligible for Champion Tree designation in 2015 the forms must be received by the program coordinator no later than June 1, 2015.
The mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission is to protect and sustain Alabama’s forest resources using professionally applied stewardship principals and education, ensuring that the state’s forests contribute to abundant timber and wildlife, clean air and water, and a healthy economy. To learn more about the AFC or the Champion Tree program, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov.