What makes a tree 'great'? To some, a great tree is one with historical significance associated with an event or time period, such as the days when Fort Worth, Texas was an army outpost on the frontier and people gathered at the famous Trader's Oak. Others are judged 'great' and given a champion status based on their size or their age. To many of us, a tree is 'great' because of the magic it created in our childhood as it shaped special memories. As we grow older, trees become our friends, shading us from the unrelenting sun or luring us with their beauty.
Read about significant trees in this region and the stories associated with them.
Historical Fort Worth meeting place: Trader's Oak
Beauty, shade, wildlife, peace: Parten's Home Magnolia
Humble tree (with bigger plans?): Fencerow Chinese Elm
Is shade the reflection of a great tree? Round Ball Cedar Elm
Exploding pear tree: Callery Pear
Famous trees of Texas: Trees witnessing periods and events in the frontier history of Texas
We want to hear about a significant tree in your life and why you deem it “great.” We invite you to share your tree and its story on this web site. It can be a great tree for you because of its size or age or beauty, its historical significance or fame for any reason, its significance in representing a particular species, its personal meaning to you, or because of any other reason.
Complete the nomination form with information about why your tree is significant and about its characteristics. Help is available from BRIT staff in identifying your tree species -- contact BRIT if you need assistance. Nomination Form
Do you want your tree to be a part of an important scientific collection that will be preserved for future generations? Prepare a voucher specimen for your tree for the BRIT herbarium (but not required for nominating a great tree). Directions for preparing a specimen
Learn more about the Great Tree Ring, an alliance of individuals and organizations who care about trees and are devoted to the development of scientific and environmental literacy in our society.
Explore the abundant resources with tree information in the DFW region.
Congratulations to the winning stories in the Great Tree Story essay contest for students. The focus of the contest was to identify and celebrate trees that are significant to an individual or community. Read Randy Ortiz's Grand Prize story, My Front Yard Tree, to meet a tree so very dear to his family and what made it a "great tree". Enjoy Gabbye Guess' Grandparents Tree that took First Prize in the contest and the Honorable Mentions awarded to Julio Argueto's A Tree with a Story, Turner Black's The Lonely Tree, Megan North's The Beautiful Tree, and Daniele Kelley's The Growth of John Peter Smith.
