MEASURING INSTRUCTIONS

1) TRUNK CIRCUMFERENCE IN INCHES

Measure at 4-1/2 feet above average ground level.
  • If there is a fork at 4-1/2 feet, measure the smallest circumference below the fork

  • If there is a burl or swelling or branch at 4-1/2 feet, the measure at the smallest circumference below it.

  • If the tree branches or forks below 4-1/2 feet, measure the largest fork at 4-1/2 ft.

  • If the ground is sloped and not level at the base of the trunk, use the average of two measurements, one taken a 4-1/2 feet from the groun on the uphill side and one taken at 4-1/2 feet from the ground on the lowest side.
2) VERTICAL HEIGHT IN FEET - Total height is distance between the base of the tree's trunk and the topmost twig of the tree including any Approximate Height of Treedead branches. Use the average of several measusrements. Accurate measurements can be made with a transit, clinometer, or Abney hand level. Lacking these tools, you can use a straight stick.

Straight Stick Method: Hold the stick at its base vertically at arm's length, making sure its length above your hand equals the distance from your hand to your eye. Staying on level ground, move away from the tree while sighting the base of the trunk over your hand. Stop when the stick above your hand appears to be the same length as the tree. Average Crown Spread You should be sighting over your hand to the base of the tree, and without moving anything but your eye, sighting over the top of the stick to the top of the tree. Measure how far you are from the tree, and that is the tree's height.

3) AVERAGE CROWN SPREAD IN FEET Measure the narrowest crown spread and the widest crown spread.

The most accurate method is to trace an outline of the crown on the ground (or use stakes) in the soil directly beneath the outer tips of the branches. Using an imaginary line that would pass through the center of the trunk, measure the distance between the two points or stakes farthest apart, and take a second measurement between the two closest points. Add these two measurements and divide by two for the average spread (diameter) of the tree's crown.

How trees are compared: To determine a tree's total points, the circumference (in inches), height (in feet) and 1/4 of the average Bird's Eye Viewcrown spread (in feet) are added together to get a total point score. When two trees have scores within a few points of each other, they will be listed as co-champions.

PHOTOGRAPHS/SLIDES: If you submit a photo, write "Big Tree Nomination" on the back along with the date measured, tree species, and the nominator's name and phone number. People in the photo add interest and scale, but please identify the people in the photo. Slides are acceptable, but be sure to write "Big Tree Nomination", species and date on slide frame. Your photos or slides may be used in Big Tree literature.

Please keep a copy of your completed form for your records.