Review process

The Pennsylvania Big Tree Program housed within the Pennsylvania Forestry Association has documented the state’s largest trees since its inception in 1940 and probably prior! Information about these trees is curated in the Pennsylvania Big Tree Register, an online database open to the public that is 100% volunteer managed. Our quest to document these trees would not be possible without the help of volunteer big tree enthusiasts around the state. You too can help us discover and document these trees. Please use this form to update us about these Champions! Currently the Pennsylvania 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 review our measuring page for guidelines. We only accept nominations through our online reporting system. Before submitting a nomination, please ensure that you have the following: Information about the tree owner, tree location, and tree measurements At least two but no more than five 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. 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 Pennsylvania Big Tree Program. In submitting a nomination, you are affirming that you have provided complete and accurate information to the best of your ability.