Over the years, the Big Tree program has enjoyed steady growth in size and scope. The National Register of Big Trees now contains more than 600 trees. But since more than 1,000 species are still eligible to be included, the list is far from complete. Mississippi now has a similar program entitled Champion Big Trees of Mississippi. The program's purpose is to locate, measure, and recognize the largest individual tree of each species in Mississippi.
Height is the distance from the base of the tree to the topmost twig of the tree.
Crown spread is the average distance the crown spreads away from the main trunk of the tree. The Big Tree entry with the most total points shall be declared the champion of its species in the state and will be cited in the Mississippi Forestry Commission's official listing of Champion Big Trees of Mississippi. Cochampions will be listed when entries are very close in point totals. Any Mississippi champions that score more points than those listed in the National Register of Big Trees will be sent to A.F.A. for consideration. As a 4-H member involved in a forestry project, you can have some fun and get recognition at the same time by locating and nominating a Champion Big Tree.