Possible State Champion Chestnut Oak

            A possible State Champion Chestnut Oak (Quercus Prinus, Fagaceae) was identified in the Cool Valley Preserve located in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County.  The tree is located on land being held by Open Land Conservancy.

            On July 10, 2009, the tree was positively identified as a Chestnut Oak and measured according to the guidelines outlined on the website for the Champion Trees of Pennsylvania (www.pabigtrees.com/trees/measurement.html) by Kate Jensen (Ecologist at Valley Forge National Park), Ray Clarke (Open Lands Conservancy Preservation Manager), Haley Martin (Valley Forge Natural Resource Management Intern) and Bess Trout (Valley Forge Natural Resource Management Intern).

Circumference at breast height

            Two circumference measurements were taken due to a large burl near the base of the tree.  Measurements were taken from a point on the mid-slope.  The circumference measurements do not include a poison ivy vine that is growing up the side of the tree.

CBH around burl: 16’2” (194”)

CBH above burl where tree begins to split: 16’6” (198”)

Height

Height of the tree:  126’

Crown Spread

Longest spread: 92’10” (1114”)

Shortest spread: 66’ (792”)

Average Crown Spread: 79’5” (953”)

Pennsylvania Big Tree Points

The tree is awarded one point for each inch in circumference, one point for each foot in height and one quarter point for every foot of average crown spread.

Total PA Big Tree points:  339

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            On July 24, 2009, the tree was measured again.  Measurers Haley Martin, Bess Trout and Ray Clarke followed the guidelines outlined on the website for the Champion Trees of Pennsylvaina (www.pabigtrees.com/trees/measurement.html).

Circumference at breast height

CBH: 16’4” (196”)

Height

Height of the Tree:  112’

Crown Spread

Possible State Champion Sycamore