Champion Trees crowned in North Dakota in 2023

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - There are new champion trees is North Dakota.

State Forester Thomas Claeys announced six new champion trees and one new second place champion have been added to the North Dakota Register of Champion Trees.

What exactly is a champion tree contest? The purpose of the contest, is to engage the public in forestry activities and instill a desire to protect and preserve these trees for future generations.

Below are the trees that are being recognized:

The chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) owned by Kaden Leier in Bismarck, North Dakota, is a new addition to the Register. This new state champion has a total of 103.19 points for having a circumference of 4 feet 4 inches, height of 44 feet, and average crown spread of 28 feet 9 inches. Chokecherry is the state fruit of North Dakota.

The white poplar (Populus alba), owned by Evelyn Christanto in Bismarck, ND, is a new addition to the Register. The tree was nominated by Dirk Churchill. This new state champion has a total of 310.4 points for having a circumference of 19 feet 5.5 inches, height of 60 feet, and average crown spread of 67 feet 9 inches.

The Korean maple (Acer tegmentosum) owned by Greg Morgenson in Bismarck, is a new addition to the Register. This tree was nominated by Joel Allen, with the North Dakota Forest Service. This new state champion has a total of 44.02 points for having a circumference of 1 foot 3.3 inches, height of 24 feet, and average crown spread of 18 feet 10.5 inches.

The Manchurian maple (Acer mandshuricum) owned by Greg Morgenson in Bismarck, is a new addition to the Register. This tree was nominated by Joel Allen, with the North Dakota Forest Service. This new state champion has a total of 73.6 points for having a circumference of 2 feet 9.1 inches, height of 35 feet, and average crown spread of 22 feet.

The Manchurian striped maple (Acer tegmentosum) owned by Greg Morgenson in Bismarck, is a new addition to the Register. This tree was nominated by Joel Allen, with the North Dakota Forest Service. This new state champion has a total of 68.62 points for having a circumference of 2 feet 9.2 inches, height of 29 feet 7 inches, and average crown spread of 23 feet 4.5 inches.

The three-flowered maple (Acer triflorum) owned by Greg Morgenson in Bismarck, is a new addition to the Register. This tree was nominated by Joel Allen, with the North Dakota Forest Service. This new state champion has a total of 70.646 points for having a circumference of 2 feet 11 inches, height of 29 feet, and average crown spread of 24 feet 7 inches.

The American elm (Ulmus americana) owned by the Patrick and Elizabeth Cronin in Fargo, is a new addition to the Register. This tree is the new second place state champion, and has a total of 235.75 points for having a circumference of 16 feet 4 inches, height of 87 feet, and average crown spread of 67 feet. This nomination is a welcome addition after the previous second place champion in Lisbon was infected with Dutch elm disease and had to be cut down a couple years ago.

Champion trees located on public land can usually be visited without a problem. However, if a champion tree is located on private property, officials ask that you respect the landowner and ask permission before making a visit.