Big Old Tree Contest 2024
Nashville Tree Foundation’s annual, city-wide celebration of trees
What is the Big Old Tree Contest?
The Big Old Tree Contest is a city-wide annual celebration of trees. Whether it’s the oldest, or the largest, or the most significant tree in Nashville, we want to share their story. We believe that trees are living treasures, and their historical, cultural, and ecological significance should be acknowledged. By showcasing these majestic specimens, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting our urban forest.
Nashville Tree Foundation created the Big Old Tree Contest in 1986 to educate school children on the importance of our local tree canopy. The program is now a historic resource to identify and chronicle the city’s largest and most notable trees, and has honored more than 1,000 trees across Davidson County. Join us in the hunt to find Nashville’s Biggest, Oldest Trees.
The Search for Nashville’s Biggest Tree — Anyone Can Join In!
The Big Old Tree Contest is for families, friends, classrooms, or solo nature lovers. By identifying and submitting a Big Old Tree, you are taking part in a countywide effort to track these living landmarks. You could find the biggest tree in your neighborhood, your school, or the county!
Contest Details:
Rules:
Tree must be alive and accessible, so we can verify it’s species and size.
Three measurements are taken to determine the tree’s ultimate “point total”, and points are compared between species.
All entries must be submitted online by August 28, 2024.
Categories:
Biggest Overall Tree (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place)
Biggest Tree found by a Junior Tree Hugger (15 and under)
Biggest Tulip Poplar (TN State Tree)
Biggest Schoolyard Tree
Story Tree
Unique Tree
Public Land Showcase
Please note: Trees already listed in the Big Old Tree Register before the contest begins are not eligible for prizes.
CELEBRATING THE 2023 CHAMPION TREES, UNIQUE TREES, AND STORY TREES
The Nashville Tree Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of our annual Big Old Tree Contest. Join us in celebrating the magnificent trees that have stood the test of time and become cherished landmarks in our city. This contest is our way of recognizing and honoring the invaluable contribution these ancient giants make to our urban environment.
TWO NEW CATEGORIES, 68 WINNERS
In 2023, we added two new categories for nomination into the Big Old Tree Contest.
Story Trees: Some trees have special meaning to the communities around them or play a role in the history of an area.
Unique Trees: Trees can grow in weird and wonderful ways as they adapt to their environment. Whether it’s twisted, gnarled, knobby, looks like an ancient face or a ballerina, we want to see your shots of trees with one-of-a-kind features!
Check out the Champions of the 2023 Big Old Tree Contest:
Big Old Tree Contest Winners
We've honored more than 800 trees, so be sure to look for your tree on our interactive map to check if your tree has previously won. Trees will only be a winner once and must be located in Davidson County.
Apply for protection for your trees now!
Now you can take a step towards tree preservation by applying to have your special tree registered as a Metro Historic and Specimen Tree.