3 measurements
Height
The height is measured from the highest point on the tree straight down to the ground (not the length of the trunk). Laser rangefinder/hypsometer preferred; A clinometer may be used in lieu of s hypsometer when circumstances prevent accurate laser measurement. Members of the public may submit preliminary/estimated measurements taken with the “stick method” or other estimation techniques. Please note which device/technique was used to measure the height.
Circumference in inches
For single-stem trees, wrap the measuring tape around the tree at approximately 4.5′ above ground, or above mid-slope if the ground is not level. You may need to move up or down the trunk to avoid obstacles like large burls or low-forking limbs – in that case, record both the circumference and the height at which circumference was taken.
For multi-stem trees, take the narrowest “waist” below the split (may need to wiggle the tape to get it as tight as possible around the trunk) AND the Functional Circumference by measuring each individual trunk separately, squaring each trunk measurement, adding the squared numbers together, and taking the square root of the sum. Submit the smaller of these two measurements.
Average Crown
It is recommended to take several Crown Spread Diameter/Radius measurements to capture the most accurate Average Crown Spread Diameter. Measure from dripline to the dripline of the opposite side of the crown, or from the dripline to the trunk (if measuring to the center of the trunk, be sure to include the diameter of the trunk in your final calculations).
Reference: American Forests Champion Tree Measuring Guidelines Handbook
Points calculations
Height (feet) + Circumference (inches) + 0.25* Average Crown Spread (feet) = Total Points
10-year rule
Trees must have been measured within the past 10 years to be eligible for the next Champion Tree Register. Trees that do not have measurements within the past 10 years will not be eligible until their measurements are updated.
Champions/Co-Champions
The specimen with the highest number of points for that species becomes the National Champion for that species. If there are two or more trees that are close in size. If the total points of the larger tree are less than 100 points, specimens must be within 3 points of each other. If the total points are 100 points or more, specimens must be within 3% of the larger tree’s total points.
Deceased trees (including standing snags/dead trees) are ineligible to be crowned Champion/Co-Champion.
