Forestry Home > Forest Management >
Champion Trees of Florida
| | (pdf)
PHOTO:
"The Senator" is the Florida Champion Baldcypress.
The Champion Tree Program was created by the American Forests organization in 1940, to recognize the largest known tree of each species in the United States. American Forests publishes their “National Register of Big Trees” every two years. The 2008 edition of the Register includes 89 Florida species, many of which are only found in the tropical region of the state. Florida trails only Arizona as the state with the most national champions. The largest National Champion tree in Florida is a native Florida Strangler Fig located in Dade County. This tree measures 360 inches in circumference, stands 63 feet tall, and carries a crown spread of 72 feet.
Florida began keeping a state register, the Florida Champion Tree Register, in 1975 to recognize the largest tree of each species within this state. It now contains hundreds of tree species, including the national champions.
The Florida Champion Baldcypress in Seminole County, named The Senator, although not a national champion, is the largest native tree in Florida, measuring 425 inches in circumference, 118 feet in height, with a 57 foot crown spread.
Nominating A Champion Tree
Anyone can nominate a tree, whether it is located on public or private land. However, the owner’s written permission must be obtained for privately owned trees. Also, the measurements need to be verified by the local Division of Forestry forester.
Completed nominations with digital photos are sent to the Urban Forestry Coordinator of the Division of Forestry. If a tree is a candidate for national champion, the Division will forward the nomination to American Forests.
Contact Us
|
