Hickory selected as Big Tree Species
 

Links

Ohio Division of Forestry

Ohio Forestry Association 

Nominations for the 2010 Scioto County Big Tree contest are currently being accepted at the Scioto Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. Hickory Tree nominations will be accepted until Friday, July 30.

Points are awarded to trees based on three measurements - the tree's circumference (inches), height (feet) and crown spread (feet).

Several types of Hickory trees are found in Ohio including Shagbark Hickory, Shellbark Hickory, and Bitternut Hickory.  A deciduous tree, leaves of Hickory trees are alternate and pinnately compound.  The number of leaflets varies with each type of Hickory Tree.

Shagbark Hickory trees are perhaps the tallest hickory species growing in Ohio.  At maturity, they may reach heights as tall as 100 feet.  Shellbark and Bitternut Hickory trees do not typically grow as tall as the Shagbark.


Photo by Bruce Marlin
Source: http://www.cirrusimage.com/tree_hickory.htm

Nuts from the Shagbark and Shellbark Hickory are edible, often consumed by squirrels.  Bitternut Hickory nuts are also eaten by wildlife, but as its name suggests, the nuts are bitter and have little value for human consumption.

Download Big Tree contest nomination form PDF file.

If you cannot open or print this file, contact the Scioto SWCD office at (740) 259-9231 to receive your nomination form.

For Information about Hickory trees, visit the Ohio Division of Forestry's Website

  • Nominated Trees must be located in Scioto County, Ohio.

  • The tree does not have to be located on the property of the person making the nomination; however, permission must be granted by the property owner in order to nominate a tree.

  • After nomination forms are received by the Scioto Soil and Water Conservation District, a representative from the district will take its measurements. Measurements taken by Scioto Soil and Water Conservation District Staff are the official results for the contest. All decisions are final.

Tree measurement information

Circumference

This measurement is recorded in inches at 4 ½ feet above the ground. If the tree grows on sloping terrain this measurement will be made from the up hill side of the tree. If the tree forks at or below the 4½' point or if there is a bulge at the measuring point, take the measurement at a location lower on the trunk where the tree resumes its normal size or taper. The use of a diameter tape or a regular tape measure around the tree at the measuring location is preferred. Estimating the diameter and converting to circumference could lose points for your tree.
(Points: 1" = 1 point)

Height

The height of a tree is measured from ground level to the highest point of the tree. Estimates can be made by comparing the tree to an object of known height such as a 5' tall person, or a 25' building, etc.
(Points: 1' = 1 point)

Average Crown Spread

This score requires two measurements to be taken of the ground area below the tree's spreading crown. Measurements should be taken in feet at the widest point of crown spread and one at the narrowest point. Add these two measurements together and divide by two to get the average crown spread. (Points = 1' = ¼ point)


Click here to see Past Big Tree Winners