Curious about the timeline for the new Champion Tree Program? You’re in the right place!
Public nominations will reopen on January 26th, 2027, with the release of the 2025-26 Register of National Champion Trees. Here’s our vision for the future, and what the next two years look like:
2024 Strategic Plan for the National Champion Tree Program
Vision for the Future
Education
Champion Trees should be a touchstone for educating the public about the importance of large trees in our urban and rural landscapes. From ecosystem services to the mental and physical health benefits of trees, Champion Trees can spark the interest of children and adults about the benefits of protecting large, mature trees in our communities.
Information
The University of Tennessee is uniquely positioned to be a hub for research about Champion Trees, including tree morphology, physiology, longevity, and function. UT Extension has a long history of bringing academic research directly into communities – the information we learn about Champion Trees benefits our society and our environment.
Conservation
Although the Champion Tree Program does not provide any special protection to the Champion Trees, we work to empower communities to advocate for the protection of these cherished landmarks. Some cities have Tree Protection Ordinances that name Champion Trees (or other large trees) as protected species, requiring a permit to remove or substantially alter. The Champion Tree Program can provide information and support to communities seeking to protect their Champions.
Community
These trees are more than water-pumping, air-cleaning, carbon-sequestering machines. They’re living beings that frequently are beloved parts of our communities. Many of these gentle giants are in backyards, parks, and other places where they’re known and appreciated by the people who live, work, and play around them. The Champion Tree Program has inspired a community of big tree hunters, who scour the landscapes seeking the largest specimen in the United States. The National Cadre of Tree Measurement Experts supports the work of the Champion Tree Program by developing accurate measurement techniques and providing training on these concepts and practices.
Our Roadmap
January 23, 2027
Root Ball: The National Champion Tree Gala
The Root Ball: The National Champion Tree Gala held in Knoxville, TN. (registration details to come)
January 26, 2027
2025-26 Register of National Champion Trees released online
Public nomination form reopened for 2027-28 cycle.
January 28, 2027
Virtual Root Ball
A celebration of the new Register of National Champions (registration details to come)
Throughout 2027
Educational and public engagement events
Follow the National Champion Tree Program on social media to stay tapped in!
January 3, 2028
Public nominations closed
Nomination period ends, all nominations routed through State Programs for the remainder of the cycle.
January 2029
2027 – 2028 Register of National Champions released
2027-2028 Champion Tree Register published.
