Declared national champion in 2018 and recognized in 2019 as national co-champion, sharing title with a tree in Ohio. Dethroned in 2020 because of error in height measurement (see below). This tree was nominated by 4-H member Jacob Heath as part of a big tree contest held in Washington County in 2008.
2020 update: A check-up on the tree in June shows that it is still thriving. The canopy is full, lush, and few dead branches. Cattle grazing around the tree is intense, but this has been going on for decades and does not seem to be impacting its health. The tree's height was checked with a laser hypsometer during this visit and found to be shorter than the 2018 measurement of 131' with a clinometer. This error was instigated by the steep terrain and broad crown of the tree, and points out the limitations of measuring tree height with a clinometer, even when used by an expert. The hypsometer height of 116' was subsequently confirmed with recent LiDAR data. Unfortunately, this height revision will drop the score below a tie with the Ohio tree for national champion.
2018 update: The tree appears to be relatively healthy. There are some lower dead branches but this does not appear to affect the overall health of the tree. No obvious cavities at the base of the tree. There appears to be a den cavity on the north side of the tree approximately 15' off the ground.
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Kevin Sigmon 2018