Mississippi Champion Tree Registry

The Mississippi Forestry Commission’s Champion Tree Program recognizes the largest known trees of eligible species in Mississippi. Through the Mississippi Champion Tree Registry, the MFC maintains a statewide record of exceptional trees and encourages citizens to help identify, document, and celebrate Mississippi’s remarkable trees.

How the Program Works

Nominations are accepted annually from September through February. Anyone may nominate a tree.

Nominations are accepted for native and naturalized tree species, as well as established trees of other species that demonstrate exceptional size, at the discretion of the program manager.

Each nominated tree must have three measurements:

• Trunk Circumference – Measured in inches at approximately 4.5 feet above the ground.

• Total Height – Measured in feet from the ground to the highest point of the tree

• Average Crown Spread – Measured in feet using multiple crown-spread measurements

Calculation

The total points of a tree are calculated using this formula: circumference + height + 1/4 average crown spread.

The tree with the highest point total for each eligible species is recognized as the Mississippi State Champion for that species.

Verification

The MFC will review nominations as they are received, prioritizing field verification for nominations with the highest calculated scores. MFC staff will verify potential champions when appropriate and will make every effort to contact the nominator or tree owner.

Trees must have been measured within the previous 10 years to remain eligible for the Registry. Current champions and potential champions will be reverified as needed. Trees without measurements from the previous 10 years must be remeasured before being considered for the next Registry.

Nomination or verification of a champion for the Champion Tree Registry does not grant any legal protection from the state.

Champions & Co-Champions

The tree with the highest point total for a species is recognized as the State Champion. Two or more trees may be named Co-Champions when their scores are exceptionally close:

• Less than 100 points: within 3 points of one another.
• 100 points or more: within 3 percent of the larger tree’s total.

Standing dead trees and snags are not eligible for Champion or Co-Champion status.

Help Find Mississippi’s Biggest Trees 

Champion trees can be found in forests, parks, yards, farms, roadsides, and communities across Mississippi. If you know an exceptional tree, help us document it!

Measure it. Photograph it. Nominate it.

Submitting a Nomination

Complete the Mississippi Champion Tree Nomination Form and provide the required tree information, measurements, photographs, and location information.

Questions?

For questions about the Mississippi Champion Tree Registry, nominations, measurements, or verification, contact:

Mississippi Forestry Commission
Urban & Community Forestry Program

Loren Erickson, MS Champion Tree Coordinator
lerickson@mfc.ms.gov (opens email client)
601-278-3330