When Kentuckians think of “national champions,” they typically think of basketball.
But did you know that Kentucky’s trees also have their fair share of national titles?
Since 1940, American Forests, a Washington, D.C.-based conservation organization, has maintained the National Registry of Champion Trees, which recognizes the largest specimen of various species of tree in the U.S.
Kentucky is currently home to nine national champion trees, including a Sassafras in Daviess County that has maintained its place on the registry since 1954.
Check out this photo gallery to learn more about Kentucky’s champion trees. If you think you have a national champion tree on your property, you can learn how to nominate it here.
Located at the Masonic Homes of Kentucky, this champion Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) was nominated in 2013. It measures 282 inches in circumference and 90 feet in height. The tree’s average crown spread is approximately 82.5 feet. 
The champion Sassafras (Sassafras albidum), located in Daviess county, was originally nominated in 1954. It measures 283 inches in circumference and 62 feet in height. Its average crown spread is approximately 51 feet. 
The co-champion Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii), located in Clay City, was nominated in 2014. It measures 313 inches in circumference and 117 feet in height. Its average crown spread is approximately 100.5 feet. 
The champion Chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), located in Harrison County, was nominated in 2006. It measures 311 inches in circumference and 76 feet in height. Its average crown spread is approximately 69 feet. 
The co-champion Shingle oak (Quercus imbricaria), located in Louisville, was nominated in 2014. It measures 178 inches in circumference and 130 feet in height. Its average crown spread is approximately 90 feet. 
The champion Ohio buckeye (Aesculus glabra), located in Lexington, was nominated in 2016. It measures 174 inches in circumference and 86 feet in height. Its average crown spread is approximately 57 feet. 
The champion Blue ash (Fraxinus quadrangulata), located in Jefferson County, was nominated in 2009. It measures 208 inches in circumference and 82 feet in height. Its average crown spread is approximately 72.5 feet. 
The champion River birch (Betula nigra), located in Buckhorn Lake State Park, was nominated in 2017. It measures 219 inches in circumference and 145 feet in height. Its average crown spread is approximately 102.5 feet. 
The champion American basswood (Tilia americana), located in Lexington Cemetery, was nominated in 2012. It measures 276 inches in circumference and 102 feet in height. Its average crown spread is approximately 85.5 feet.
Categories: Featured, Forestry, Land, Natural Resources
Land, Air & Water 
I think we have a champion Willow Oak in Barbourville ky
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