Tree Information
Common Name: white oak
Scientific Name: Quercus alba
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 1086
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: yes
Trunk Girth: 325 in.
Tree Height: 74 ft.
Crown Spread: 105 ft.
Points: 425
Date Last Measured: 2023
Last Measured by: Lara Johnson, Jon Rockett, Eric Wiseman
Date First Measured: 1996
Comments:
2026 comments: The tree is in good condition, but it resides in a drought stress inducing landscape setting, which causes concern for its ongoing vitality. But it has been in that setting for decades – perhaps centuries – so hopefully it has acclimated well to the conditions. Area around tree is closed to public access, so no concerns about constant foot traffic and soil compaction. Receives attentive care from certified arborists. Trunk measured at 4.5' above flat ground at the mid-slope position off of the heaving root plate at a distance of 14'7" from the face of the trunk at an azimuth of 20 degrees from the tree.
2025 Comments: Became the state champion white oak when the Brunswick County tree was toppled by a storm in July 2025.
2023 Comments: Tree appears in good health. Measured by Jon Rockett: Trunk - 321", Height - 74', Crown - 108', Points - 422.
2021 Comments: Brian Kelley of the Gathering Grown Foundation created a photo essay and podcast about the tree.
2014 Comments: This tree is known as the Earlysville White Oak and has been a favorite in the community for many years. It was first brought to the attention of the Virginia Big Tree Program in 1996 when the owners of the land occupied by the tree at that time (Barry and Linda McLane) sent information about the tree to American Forests. The tree was first officially measured in September 2000 by VDOF Forester John Miller, who subsequently nominated the tree. Around this same time, the property was acquired by the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport from the McLane family for airport expansion. In 2014, the tree was designated as a Landmark Tree by the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards. Due to the tree's close proximity to the runway of the airport, its existence at times has been perilous. In 2013, the airport was required to expand its security footprint on the land around the oak and erect a fence to restrict access to the property. The airport states that it is committed to preserving the tree and provides information on its website about visiting the tree.
2013 Comments: Trunk circumference 296 in, height 75 ft, crown 100 ft, 396 points. Measured by Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards.
More Photos
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Albemarle
Land Owner: Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport
GPS Coordinates: 38.125310, -78.460541
Directions: The tree is located at the southern end of the airport on restricted security property at the junction of Earlysville Rd and Rio Mill Rd. For access permission visit gocho.com/community/whiteoak.
Owner Address: 100 Bowen Loop, Suite 200
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Contact Information
Contact Name: Connie Cook
Contact Email: CCook@gocho.com
Contact Address: 100 Bowen Loop, Suite 200
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Contact Phone: 434-973-8342
Contact Info: Other contact: Lara Johnson, Virginia Dept. of Forestry, Lara.Johnson@dof.virginia.gov
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): John Miller
Additional Information
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