Tell Us About Your Favorite Tree!

Grand Trees uses a public nomination process to identify, recognize, and document the "Grand Trees of Chatham."  All nominated trees are evaluated by a jury of tree professionals using a standard system established by state and national champion programs. Owners retain all legal rights to their tree and evaluations are done only with owner approval.

AWARD CATEGORIES:

Eligible species include those trees that are native or naturalized to North Carolina.  They must be of a species, sub-species, or cultivar proven to be relatively long-lived and adapted to our region. 

Trees may be nominated in one of four categories:

• Champion: Trees nominated for Champion status are evaluated for size and age relative to their species using an equation and point system established by state and national champion tree programs.
  [vertical height + trunk circumference (at 4.5 ft. above ground) + avg. crown spread] = Tree Point Total
  
  A champion must equal or exceed 75% of the current state champion.
  
  For instructions on how to measure a champion tree click here.
  
  
• Historic:  Nominees must be at least 50 years old to qualify. The trees must be verifiably associated with some significant historical event or location.
  
  
• Landmark:  Emphasis is on natural groupings or communities rather than individual trees. For example, a mature stand of maples or white pines may qualify for this category.  
  
  
• Meritorious:  This category accommodates special trees in a variety of situations. The committee may exercise discretion in the number of award recipients any given year. Trees in this category may be potential future Champion, Historic, or Landmark Trees.
  
• Recently planted trees tied to a special place or event
• Plantings that illustrate exemplary selection of species, taxa, or cultivar suited to the site, proper planting techniques, or good maintenance practice
• Outstanding trees with exceptional shape, color or form
• Developer saved trees of excellent quality
• Special trees that have particular significance to our community

AWARD SELECTIONS:  Final selection for an award is determined by the Grand Trees of Chatham board based on a specific rating system and criteria guidelines as well as recommendations of the jurors. The board may elect to shift a nomination into a more appropiate category.

Owners of trees receiving awards will be notified by mail and invited to attend a formal public awards ceremony. Owners will be given a commemorative certificate and a high-quality plaque to be affixed to the tree designating it a Grand Tree of Chatham.

NOMINATIONS:  Ready to nominate your favorite tree? Click here for a nomination form.