2024 comments: Tree has a split in the trunk with a two functioning braces, a rod and a cable. The original, rod noted in 2014 comments, has become detected at one end resulting from decay. There also appears to have been a significant amount of dead limb pruning over time which has reduced the crown spread. Composite circumference at 4.5 feet is 76.84 based on five stem measurements (36, 18.8, 38, 30.5, 43.5). This would result in 115 total pts and change status of national and state championship.
2014 comments: First declared national champion in 2017 and recognized in 2018 as national co-champion with tree in Albemarle County, VA. Trunk was measured at 12" above ground, below split trunk. The tree appears healthy. Fruiting. A brace rod was installed, but doesn't close the split above 1'. Measured in 2014 by Byron Carmean and Gary Williamson. Circumference: 80", Height: 31', Crown: 37', Points: 120.
J. Rockett 04/09/2024