How to Report a Big Tree

The Virginia Big Tree Program has documented the state’s largest trees since 1970. Information about these trees is curated in the Virginia Big Tree Register, an online database open to the public. Our quest to document these trees would not be possible without the help of big tree enthusiasts around the state. You too can help us discover and document these trees. Currently the Virginia Big Tree Register accepts for nomination the same eligible species as the National Champion Tree Register. Other species will not be considered.

Trees are ranked based on a scoring system that uses measurements of tree height, trunk circumference, and crown spread. For more details on eligibility requirements, scoring of trees, and ranking of trees, please visit this page.

Before nominating a tree, please search the big tree register to determine if your tree is similar in size to the top-three specimens listed for its species. A new tree will be added to the register only if it ties or outscores one of the top-three specimens already registered for the species. A tie-breaking rule is applied to determine the third-place ranking. If you are unsure whether your tree might be a contender for the register, please email us before submitting your nomination.

To ensure that you collect the correct information for your tree, you may wish to print out this field data collection form and take it with you when you visit the tree.

We only accept nominations through our online reporting system. Before submitting a nomination, please ensure that you have the following:

1. Information about the tree owner, tree location, and tree measurements
2. At least two digital photographs of the tree to upload: (i) a close-up view of the trunk from ground level to chest height and (ii) a wide-angle view of as much of the tree’s height as possible. If the tree has an abnormal trunk near ground level (multiple stems, branches, or bulging), please also submit a photo of each side of the tree. Here are examples of good photographs to include with your big tree nomination.

A nomination of a tree on private property or restricted-access public property will not be considered for the big tree register until permission to do so is obtained from the property owner. All nominations are subject to review and verification by the Virginia Big Tree Program. In submitting a nomination, you are affirming that you have provided complete and accurate information to the best of your ability.

TO SUBMIT A TREE NOMINATION, CLICK HERE.

To ensure that the Virginia Big Tree Register is accurate and up-to-date, we require previously registered trees to be recertified at least once every 10 years. The purpose of recertification is:

1. Verify that the tree is still alive
2. Document changes in its size and score
3. Identify any threats to its well-being
4. Note any changes in tree ownership

We need your help to recertify trees. If you want to submit a recertification for a tree, please contact us first (vabigtree@vt.edu) to confirm that recertification is needed. We may already have someone assigned to it.

To ensure that you collect the correct information for your tree, you may wish to print out this data collection form and take it with you when you visit the tree.

Before submitting a recertification using our online form, please ensure that you have the following:

1. Information about the tree’s owner, location, and measurements
2. At least two digital photographs of the tree to upload: (i) a close-up view of the trunk from ground level to chest height and (ii) a wide-angle view of as much of the tree’s height as possible. If the tree has an abnormal trunk near ground level (multiple stems, branches, or bulging), please also submit a photo of each side of the tree. Here are examples of good photographs to include with your big tree recertification.

All recertifications are subject to review and verification by the Virginia Big Tree Program. In submitting a recertification, you are affirming that you have provided complete and accurate information to the best of your ability.

TO OPEN THE ONLINE RECERTIFICATION FORM, CLICK HERE.

To ensure that the Virginia Big Tree Register is accurate and up-to-date, we aim to document the death of previously registered trees as quickly as possible. This will ensure that the rightful champion is recognized and that people won't be disappointed if they visit a tree and find that it is gone.

When reporting the death of a big tree, please note the location of the tree (city or county) and the current point score or database ID# of the tree. This will help us accurately flag the tree in the register. If you have any information about the date or reason of tree death, please include that information.

TO REPORT THE DEATH OF A BIG TREE, CLICK HERE.