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Energy and Environment Cabinet

Foggy tree

Division of Forestry
Kentucky's Champion Trees

Former state champion Cherrybark oak

In 1940, the American Forests organization began a search of the largest specimen of each species of American trees.  This list, now called the National Registry of Big Trees, contains the names of more than 750 species. Ten Kentucky champions have been nominated as national champions or co-champions.

The Division of Forestry began compiling a list of state champion trees in 1968.  The first list contained only 51 species.  The current list, which is restricted to native species, has 100 species reported.  The list is continually changing as new species are added and former champions are replaced either because they die or a larger specimen is nominated.

To see if there are any champion trees in your area, you can view a printable list of state champion trees by their common name or by the county of location