How to Measure & Nominate a Champion Tulip Poplar

That massive poplar on your family land might be a state champion. Georgia’s champion tree program uses a point system based on three measurements. Here’s how to score your tree and see if it tops the current champion—a 150-foot tulip poplar with 378 points.

Champion Tree Scoring Formula

Total Points = Trunk circumference at 4 ft (inches) + Height (feet) + ¼ Crown spread (feet)

Example: A 50-ft tall tree with 40-inch circumference and 44-ft crown spread scores 50 + 40 + 11 = 101 points.

Measuring Tips

• Circumference: Wrap a tape measure at 4.5 ft above ground.
• Crown spread: Measure the widest and narrowest diameters, average them.
• Height (tricky): On a sunny day, hold a 12-inch stick vertically. When its shadow equals 12 inches, measure the tree’s shadow length—that’s the approximate height.

Next Steps

If your tree’s score rivals the state champion (378), contact the Georgia Forestry Commission at 1-800-GA-TREES (1-800-428-7337) for official nomination. Even if it’s not a record-holder, documenting a family landmark is a priceless legacy.

Large chestnut in England (photo courtesy of Erica Glasener)