Champion trees in Wisconsin
One of the joys of being an arborist is working around some of Wisconsin’s most majestic trees. Nothing beats climbing out on the limbs of a large white oak tree or ascending into the top of a large American elm. It is truly amazing to see the massive nature of giant trees. The view from the top can be very impressive.
Some of these one of-a-kind trees are champion trees. A tree is considered a champion if it is the largest recorded of its species. The state of Wisconsin maintains information on the location, dimensions, and rank of Wisconsin’s largest trees. The registry of champion trees is available at the DNR’s website http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/uf/champion/. There are three major measurements needed to catalog a big tree into the champion registry. Tree circumference measured at chest height, height measurement, and crown spread measurement. These three measurements are weighted together to obtain a points total. More detailed information regarding obtaining these measurements and submitting new trees to the list is available on the DNR website listed above. The DNR receives nominations from interested citizens across the state. Volunteer inspectors must verify the measurements and species before the information is entered in the official record book. A list of inspectors in each county of WI is available on the website.
Big tree enthusiasts in the Milwaukee area will be pleased to know that they do not have to travel far to see some of the area’s champion trees. Milwaukee contains many champion trees scattered about the metro area. Many of the finest trees are located in Milwaukee County Parks or cemeteries. Milwaukee boasts the largest Siberian elm tree in the state on the 3700 block of West Mitchell Street. The largest lilac bush is located in Oconomowoc on a front yard on Wisconsin Ave. Brown Deer boasts the states largest black locust tree on the 4900 block of West Good Hope Road. South Shore Park has the largest European beech tree. There is a champion Katsura tree located in Grant Park. The Champion paper birch is located near the Riverwest area of Milwaukee and the largest tree of heaven is located on Milwaukee’s south side. The list goes on and includes the champion bur oak in Dousmanand a champion pear tree in Pewaukee, amongst others. Take a look at the complete list online or obtain a book copy of Wisconsin’s Champion Trees written by R. Bruce Allison. Look at some of the trees in your area. You may be surprised and find a new champion.
The goal of the Champion tree list is to promote the appreciation of Wisconsin’s forests and trees. The state registry of Champion trees is the result of lots of hard work and determination from countless volunteers submitting trees. More submissions are always needed. Since trees are constantly changing, it is important to keep updating the list. Enjoy the beauty of WI’s current champion trees and try to seek out new trees and submit nominations, the adventure can be worth it.
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