Nominations for the 2008 Scioto County Big Tree contest are currently being accepted at the Scioto Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. Ash Tree nominations will be accepted until Friday, September 26.

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

For 2008, Ash trees (any species of ash) are the selected tree species for the contest. Deadline to submit entries for the contest is September 26, 2008.

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 Black Walnut 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.

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)

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)

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)