Tree Information
Common Name: sugar maple
Scientific Name: Acer saccharum
Native/Naturalized: Native to Virginia
Database ID: 160
Status: dead
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: no
Circumference: 270 in.
Height: 72 ft.
Crown: 84 ft.
Points: 363
Date Last Measured: 2016
Last Measured by: Alex Cassell and Eric Wiseman
Date First Measured: 1977
Comments:
2022 update: A visit to the tree in August 2022 by local big tree enthusiast David Haskins discovered that it had finally toppled over due to defects and past storm damage. Decomposition of the tree suggested it had been down for a couple years. It was last checked on in January 2019 by Va. Big Trees staff, at which time it was still standing.
2019 update: Declared national champion in 2016 and recognized as national co-champion in 2019, sharing the title with a tree in Connecticut. It is the current all-time largest documented specimen of the species in the state.
2016 update: In 2016, the tree was still alive, but had lost a large leader and many limbs from storm damage. It will probably fall apart in the next 3-5 years due to extensive rot in the trunk.
It was originally discovered by Lyttelton 'Lyt' Wood while attending Virginia Tech. He then measured and nominated the tree in November 1977.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Giles
Land Owner: Eric F. Schenkel
GPS Coordinates: 37.33728, -80.55982
Owner Email: ericfs2004@hotmail.com
Directions: About 4.3 miles north of U.S. 460 on Route 700 (Mountain Lake Road). There is a gated overlook on the left side of the road. Tree is 440 feet, bearing 325.5 degrees, from the overlook deck.
Owner Address: 173 Long Island Dr.
Moneta, VA 24121
Owner Phone: 540-721-5894
Contact Information
Contact Name: Eric Wiseman
Contact Email: arborist@vt.edu
Contact Phone: 540-231-5148
Contact Info: Owner alternative contact: ericfschenkel@alltel.net
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Lyt Wood
Additional Information
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