Georgia's Champion Tree Program
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The Georgia Forestry Commission oversees the Champion Tree Program in Georgia. A champion tree is defined as the largest known tree of a particular species. For a tree to be considered it must meet all of the following criteria.
1. The tree must have an erect woody perennial stem, or trunk, at least 9.5 inches in circumference measured 4.5 feet from the ground, with a definitely formed crown of foliage, and be at least 13 feet in total height.
2. The tree must not be considered an invasive tree species in Georgia. These species have the potential to displace our native trees and other vegetation. Some species considered invasive include bradford pear, camphor tree, chinaberry, chinese parasoltree, chinese privet, chinese tallowtree, japanese holly, japanese privet, mimosa, paper mulberry, paulownia, rose of Sharon, tree of heaven, trifoliate orange, tungoil tree, and white mulberry. A complete list of Georgia invasive trees can be viewed at Gainvasives.org.
For further information contact your local Georgia Forestry Commission office or Scott Griffin, Program Coordinator, at sgriffin@gfc.state.ga.us or 770.538.2666.
National Register of Big Trees
Nominations that appear to be eligible will be forwarded to the National Register of Big Trees maintained by American Forests in Washington DC. The same system of scoring is used in both programs and if accepted in the National Register the tree will be listed as a National champion in Georgia's Champion Tree Register.
