State Champion Trees

The Memorial Arboretum is home to two state champion and co-champion trees.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University began the Virginia Big Tree Program in 1970 in order to encourage the care and appreciation of the state's trees. Volunteers of the program go out in the field every six years and take measurements. To be considered a champion or co-champion, or to make the top five list for a tree species, the tree needs to rank highest with regards to tree height, crown spread and trunk circumference. If two trees score within five points of each other, they are designated as co-champions.

Learn more about the program and other high-ranking trees at bigtree.cnre.vt.edu.


Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)

State Champion 

  • Location: Section 23, near gravesite 22794-C
  • Height: 45 feet
  • Circumference: 154 inches
  • Average crown spread: 56 feet

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis pumila)

State Co-Champion, National Co-Champion

  • Location: Section 8
  • Height: 42 feet
  • Circumference: 66 inches
  • Average crown spread: 50 feet