Have you ever seen an enormous old tree and wondered if it might be one of the largest of its species in Florida? This is what happened to me when I saw the huge black olive tree outside our office in Homestead. The tree could be 70-80 years old, 75 feet high, 150 inches in circumference, and 93 feet in crown spread! Amazing! It is a magnificent tree, inspiring respect and beauty! After appreciating the tree’s beauty and to compete in the Champion Tree Program, I contacted the Senior Forester with the Florida Forest Service (FFS), who oversees the Florida Champion Tree Register.
The National Champion Tree Program was established by the US Forest Service in 1940 and, in Florida, by the Florida Forest Service in 1975.
What Makes a Tree a Champion?
Champion status is not awarded only on the tree’s height. Trees are evaluated using three measurements: trunk circumference, total height, and the average crown spread. Together, these measurements are combined to calculate the final score using the following formula:
Total points = trunk circumference (inches) + height (feet) + ¼ average crown spread (feet).
For example, the scores of the black olive tree were:
Total Points: 150 + 75 + ¼ 93 = 248
Once we finished measuring the tree at my office, we visited Deering Estate to evaluate another amazing black olive tree. It was also humongous! The tree stood next to a building and had an old cavity in its trunk. The total height was 70 feet, the crown spread 81 feet, and the total circumference was 182 inches.
Total Points: 182 + 70 + ¼ 81 = 272
Which means that the tree located at Deering Estate is the biggest black olive tree in the state of Florida and maybe in the continental USA!
Why Champion Trees Matter
More than record holders, these magnificent trees are living reminders of Florida’s cultural past. Besides that, the environmental and ecological benefits are priceless!
The next time you find yourself admiring an exceptionally large tree, pause for a moment. It just might be Florida’s next Champion Tree!
I want to thank Jeff Wasielewski, UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Commercial Tropical Fruit Extension Agent, Michelle Danielson, FFS Senior Forester, and Ana Rojas, Miami-Dade PROS Conservation and Research Specialist, who helped produce this blog.
During the preparation of this work, the author used Microsoft Copilot and ASU EdPlus Image Accessibility Creator to generate content and alt text for photos. After using this tool/service, the author reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication
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