Tree Information
Common Name: weeping willow
Scientific Name: Salix babylonica
Native/Naturalized: Naturalized
Database ID: 716
Status: alive
National Champion: no
Virginia Champion: yes
Trunk Girth: 217 in.
Tree Height: 89 ft.
Crown Spread: 92 ft.
Points: 329
Date Last Measured: 2025
Last Measured by: Bella Hardaway and Eric Wiseman
Date First Measured: 1976
Comments:
2025 comments: One of the two main stems has failed and fallen to the ground. Some vascular tissue of the fallen stem remains attached to the trunk and there are numerous sprouts developing on the fallen stem. Since the stem is no longer supporting its own weight above ground, decision was made to measure only the remaining upright stem. Trunk circumference was measured just above the split, at 5.2' above the ground. Crown spread measurement only included branches on the remaining upright stem. The massive wound in the trunk base will likely lead to rapid internal decay that will weaken the remaining stem and cause its failure.
2021 comments: The tree lost its national champion crown when American Forests dropped the species from national champion eligibility.
2015 comments: One trunk has significant heart rot. Barbed wire in crotch is being grown over. Trunk circumference measured at 3'8" above ground, just below the fork in the trunk. The measurements taken by Jon Matiuk and John Blankenship in November 2015 were 293", 95', and 93' for a total of 411 points.
2007 comments: Declared national champion in 2007. Overall healthy. Measured by Jeff Kirwan on 5/30/2006 at 267" trunk girth, 102' height, 102' crown spread, 395 points.
1976 comments: Tree described as behind the home of Mrs. Pearl Edwards. Measured by Louise Hoge at 178" trunk girth, 78' height, 76' crown spread, 275 points. Measurements verified by Forester Rodney Keenon.
Location of Tree
Tree is located in: Tazewell
Land Owner: Private
GPS Coordinates: 37.073087, -81.358704
Owner Email: Private
Directions: Tree is located behind a small cabin on Route 727, approx. 0.1 mile from intersection with Route 667. The property address is 2497 West End Rd. The tree is within sight of a registered shagbark hickory along the same road.
Owner Address: Private
Owner Phone: Private
Contact Information
Contact Name: Eric Wiseman
Contact Email: vabigtree@vt.edu
Contact Phone: 540-231-5148
Nominators
Original Nominator(s): Louise Hoge
Additional Information
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