Jeff Freeman measuring a
Rutland Silver Maple, photo by Loona Brogan,
2003 THE
In 1972, (now retired
Castleton State College Professor) Jeff Freeman started the Vermont Big
Tree List, which he submits to American Forests through the New England
Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, for representation on the
National Register of Big Trees.
See the national list at http://www.americanforests.org/. Deciding which tree is “the
biggest” is a tricky job—even among the same species, no two are
alike. In addition to genetic
tendencies, conditions—nutrient uptake, competition for sunlight, water
supply, events like storms and fire—all influence the shape a tree will
take. That makes every tree’s
form a story in and of itself. A formula has been devised
by American Forests to translate those myriad dimensions into a somewhat
consistent, comparable “value.”
They do that by calculating the trunk circumference in inches (at
breast height), giving it the greatest weight in the equation, and height
and one-quarter average crown spread in feet.
Tree
Society
Circumference (inches) +
Height (feet)+(average crown spread in feet
divided by four)= total big tree score. If you think you know of a
record-breaking tree, measure around the trunk about 4.5 feet off the
ground, and the crown spread, estimate the height, collect a leaf or
seeds/fruit if possible for species identification and call your district
urban forester or county forester to ask them to confirm your finding when
they can. They will report
significant trees to the Big Tree List Coordinator for recording. Click here for COUNTY
(rurally located yard or forest trees) or DISTRICT URBAN
(trees in yards or forests in or near towns and villages) foresters
contact information. (thanks,
foresters and VT Urban and Community Forestry
Program)