Portage County Big Tree Contest

 Portage County brought back the Annual Big Tree Contest for the first time in many years in 2018. As a celebration of the competition returning to the county, we opened nominations to all species of trees to big the biggest of them all. The winner was a beautiful White Oak in Garrettsville. From here on out, nominations will be limited to one species of tree. The 2019 Big Tree species will be Fagus grandifolia, American Beech. The American Beech is a native tree that has a strong presence. Its large looming stature, glossy green leaves, and smooth grey bark that can be all-too-often recognized by the initials carved into it are key characteristics. It is an integral component of Beech-Maple Forest ecosystems, one of the most prominent NE Ohio native forest communities.  This tree has seen quite a lot of media attention lately due to a new affliction called Beech Leaf Disease (BLD). The disease was discovered in Lake County, Ohio in 2012 and is spreading rapidly throughout the northeast. The disease can now be found in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Canada. The means of its spread is still unknown, as is any effective method of treatment or prevention. Considering this, we are hoping to catalog our biggest Beech Trees in the county this coming year, so spread the word! Nominations will be accepted through the closing of business Friday May 31st, 2019. Winners will receive a plaque and a $25.00 Gift Certificate to use towards any of our programs or sales. To nominate an American Beech Tree fill out the form below.

Fill out and return the form below to participate in the 2019 competition:

If you would like more information on this program contact Taylor at [email protected] or (330) 235-6811