2024  Big Tree Contest  ~ White Oak Tree Winner

Congratulations to Mark and Jody Payne - Their Beautiful Old Oak Tree Scored 370 Points!

A person in a gray jacket and cap stands smiling among tall plants, with a large tree in the background.
Jody Payne with her Winning White Oak Tree! The circumference of this beauty was 235 inches (19'7") around and estimated to be 110 ft tall with one spread to be 110 ft wide! Score: 370
A large tree with sprawling branches in a grassy area, under a clear blue sky. There's a road and cornfield in the background.
Parry and Susie Cochran's Oak tree just off of Rt.95 is also a sight to behold, with a circumference of 235 inches (19'7") around, height of 94 feet, and one spread to be 100 feet wide. Score: 353
A large tree in the center of a grassy field under a cloudy sky.
Arlen & Jean Hostetler have this picture perfect white oak just outside of Smithville. Coming in with a circumference of 212 inches (17'8") a height of 85 ft. and one spread to be 110 feet wide, it scored 323 points for 3rd.
A person in a gray jacket and cap stands smiling among tall plants, with a large tree in the background.
Jody Payne with her Winning White Oak Tree! The circumference of this beauty was 235 inches (19'7") around and estimated to be 110 ft tall with one spread to be 110 ft wide! Score: 370
A large tree with sprawling branches in a grassy area, under a clear blue sky. There's a road and cornfield in the background.
Parry and Susie Cochran's Oak tree just off of Rt.95 is also a sight to behold, with a circumference of 235 inches (19'7") around, height of 94 feet, and one spread to be 100 feet wide. Score: 353
A large tree in the center of a grassy field under a cloudy sky.
Arlen & Jean Hostetler have this picture perfect white oak just outside of Smithville. Coming in with a circumference of 212 inches (17'8") a height of 85 ft. and one spread to be 110 feet wide, it scored 323 points for 3rd.
A person in a gray jacket and cap stands smiling among tall plants, with a large tree in the background.
A large tree with sprawling branches in a grassy area, under a clear blue sky. There's a road and cornfield in the background.
A large tree in the center of a grassy field under a cloudy sky.
A person in a gray jacket and cap stands smiling among tall plants, with a large tree in the background.
A large tree with sprawling branches in a grassy area, under a clear blue sky. There's a road and cornfield in the background.
A large tree in the center of a grassy field under a cloudy sky.

We are pleased to announce the winner of the Big Tree Contest for White Oak in Wayne County goes to Mark and Jody Payne’s magnificent tree that scored 370 points!  This beauty of a tree had a total circumference of 235 inches (19’7”) and was 110 feet tall!  She was closely followed by a well-known and easily seen oak tree, owned by Parry and Susie Cochran – that scored 353 points. Their tree can be viewed if you drive on Rt. 95 South (Blachleyville Rd). It also had a total circumference of 235 inches (19’7”) and measured 94 feet tall. We were thrilled to have 9 entries in our contest this year, and along with viewing and measuring these important trees, we were more than happy to meet the people belonging to the trees, and hear their stories and share their enthusiasm and passion for the trees and the environment. We want to thank all of the individuals for their entries so please come by our fair barn at the Wayne County Fair and check out the tree pictures.  Here are the complete results and scores of the white oaks, and the Big Tree Measuring Trees/Score Sheet that we use. 

Big Tree Scoring Sheet
  1. 370 points :  Mark and Jody Payne of Wooster
  2. 352 points : Parry and Susie Cochran of Wooster
  3. 323 points : Arlen and Jean Hostetler of Smithville
  4. 313 points : Colton Nussbaum & Family of Shreve
  5. 287 points : Justin Sheeter & Family of Wooster
  6. 274 points : Jeanne Mercer & JD of Wooster
  7. 273 points : Beth & Dan Tegtmeier of West Salem
  8. 246 points : David and Richard Guenther of Wooster
  9. 190 points : Bernadette Rohr of Doylestown

White oak trees (Quercus alba) are valued for their impressive size, which is a direct indicator of their age and ecological significance. These trees can reach heights of 80-100 feet and spread widely, with some specimens living for several centuries. Their large size provides extensive habitats and food sources for various wildlife, contributing to biodiversity. The age of a white oak enhances its ecological role, as older trees support more complex ecosystems. A large white oak symbolizes resilience, stability, and the intricate balance of nature. Their acorns are a critical food source for various birds, such as woodpeckers, jays, and wild turkeys, and mammals, including deer and squirrels. The dense foliage and broad canopy offer nesting sites and shelter for numerous bird species. The bark and branches support insects, which in turn attract insectivorous birds. Large, old white oaks thus play a vital role in sustaining rich and diverse ecosystems, underscoring their significance in nature. Their wood is highly valued for its strength, durability, and attractive grain, making it a preferred choice for furniture, flooring, and barrel-making.  It’s no wonder the white oak is known as an ecological powerhouse! 

Make sure you are on the lookout for the next Big Tree winner – in 2025 we are searching for the largest Shagbark Hickory Tree in Wayne County!  Check back for more details! 

A large tree stands alone in a sunny green field under a clear blue sky.