Wrong Way Right Way Circumference is measured at 4.5 feet above the ground. (MDC diagrams)

Measuring Circumference Circumference is measured at 4.5 feet above the ground. If a growth or branch is located at this point, measure below it where the circumference is least. If the tree forks below 4.5 feet, measure the larger fork at 4.5 feet. To measure the circumference, locate a point at 4.5 feet above the ground on the trunk and place the zero end of the tape there. The tape is wrapped around the trunk tightly without sagging so that it exactly meets the zero end of the tape. The circumference is read in feet and inches.

Measuring Crown Spread Crown Spread can be measured by setting a stake directly under the outside edge of the crown farthest from the trunk (A) and another directly opposite it at the outer edge of the crown (B) on a line passing through the center of the tree. Next, set stakes marking the shortest diameter of the crown passing through the center of the tree (C and D). Measure both diameters to the nearest foot with a tape measure. Add the two measurements together and divide the sum by two to obtain the average crown spread.

Crown Spread can be measured by setting a stake directly under the outside edge of the crown farthest from the trunk (A) and another directly opposite it at the outer edge of the crown (B) on a line passing through the center of the tree. (MDC diagrams)

Height is measured using a yardstick method. (MDC diagrams)

Measuring Height Height is the distance between the base and the top-most branch of the tree. A simple method of measuring tree height, which is quite accurate, is done in the following manner: Make a target which is a known height (5 feet works well when measuring tall trees). A yardstick will be needed, into which you have cut a fine notch at each inch mark. Place this target against the tree, making sure that it will be visible as you walk back to measure it. Be sure the target is vertical or your reading will not be true. Holding the yardstick vertically, back up from the tree to the point where the five-foot target exactly fills one inch on the yard-stick. Now, without moving the yardstick, sight from the base of the tree to the top of the tree. The number of inches on the yardstick which is filled by the tree is noted. Each inch is equal to five feet. If the tree occupied 18 inches on the ruler, then 18 x 5 feet = 90 feet, the height of the tree. Be sure and take measurements from several points around the tree and use an average of measurements for the height.

If you think you have a bigger tree, you can nominate it with the Anne Arundel County Forestry Board forests@earthlink.net. You will be sent a form to fill out with an estimate of the tree’s size. If it looks like a Champion, qualified personnel will be sent out to take an official measurement of the tree. Good Luck!