2026 Big Tree Contest Results

The Wayne Soil & Water Conservation District is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Wayne County Big Tree Contest, which celebrated one of Ohio's most iconic native trees—the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis).

This year's champion is a magnificent American sycamore located at the Rogues Hollow Historical Society in Doylestown, nominated by Michael Moore. The winning tree earned an impressive score of 406.125 points, including a remarkable trunk circumference of more than 23 feet. Estimated to be well over 200 years old, the giant sycamore stands as both a natural treasure and a living piece of Wayne County history. And as a bonus, this beauty is on display for the public to stop by and enjoy!

Known for its distinctive mottled white, gray, and tan bark, the American sycamore is the largest native deciduous tree in North America by trunk diameter. Commonly found along streams, rivers, and floodplains, these fast-growing trees provide valuable habitat for birds, mammals, and pollinators. As they mature, their hollow trunks and large branches often become nesting sites for owls, wood ducks, raccoons, and other wildlife, making them an important part of Ohio's forest ecosystems.

Second place was awarded to the towering American sycamore at the Wooster Country Club, nominated by Will Moore, with a score of 362.875 points. Although finishing just behind the champion in total points, this tree claimed the distinction of being the contest's tallest, measuring more than 138 feet in height. Like the winning tree, it is estimated to be over two centuries old.

Rounding out the top five were:

  • 3rd Place: Christine Haynes' American sycamore – 287.75 points
  • 4th Place: Wooster Memorial Park tree, nominated by Becky Cornelius and Kristin Lorson – 275.75 points
  • 5th Place: Bill Arnold's American sycamore – 240.125 points
May contain: grass, nature, outdoors, park, plant, vegetation, tree, advertisement, poster, land, woodland, grove, and person

The Wayne SWCD Big Tree Contest encourages residents to discover, appreciate, and help preserve the county's largest native trees. Beyond their impressive size, these trees provide clean air, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, store carbon, and serve as living landmarks that connect today's communities with generations past.

We're continually amazed by the incredible trees growing throughout Wayne County and truly appreciate everyone who took the time to nominate a tree and share its story. These remarkable sycamores remind us that conservation isn't just about protecting the future—it's also about celebrating the natural heritage that has stood beside us for centuries.

The Wayne Soil & Water Conservation District thanks all participants and property owners who welcomed staff to measure and document these outstanding American sycamores.  Stay tuned to see what tree we are looking for in 2027! 

A large, leafy tree stands in a green area, surrounded by a wooden fence and a grassy landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
The winning Sycamore Tree at Rogues Hollow with a score of 406.125
A large, gnarled sycamore tree, estimated to be 200 years old, with a sign indicating its age. Surrounding greenery and a fence are visible.
A man is standing near a large tree, holding a flagpole with an American flag, surrounded by greenery and a cabin.
Three people stand beside a tall tree in a lush green area, surrounded by greenery and bright sunlight.
2nd place Big Tree - at Wooster Country Club, and the tallest (over 138 feet)
A group of four people, including two kids, enjoying time outdoors by a large tree with swings and hammocks.
3rd place Big Tree - owned by Christine Hayes
A large tree provides shade in a yard where two adults and two children stand together, enjoying the outdoors.
May contain: plant, tree, tree trunk, vegetation, adventure, hiking, leisure activities, nature, outdoors, person, land, woodland, grove, path, trail, jungle, animal, canine, dog, mammal, pet, wilderness, clothing, hat, and rainforest
4th place Big Tree -at Wooster Memorial Park - nominated by Beck & Kristin
A person stands beside a large tree in a grassy area with chairs nearby, surrounded by greenery and structures in the background.
5th place Big Tree owned by Bill Arnold
Two men stand outdoors in a grassy area, smiling and posing for the camera, surrounded by trees and a car.
John Lorson and Bill Arnold talk trees and tell stories!
A large, leafy tree stands in a green area, surrounded by a wooden fence and a grassy landscape under a partly cloudy sky.
A large, gnarled sycamore tree, estimated to be 200 years old, with a sign indicating its age. Surrounding greenery and a fence are visible.
A man is standing near a large tree, holding a flagpole with an American flag, surrounded by greenery and a cabin.
Three people stand beside a tall tree in a lush green area, surrounded by greenery and bright sunlight.
A group of four people, including two kids, enjoying time outdoors by a large tree with swings and hammocks.
A large tree provides shade in a yard where two adults and two children stand together, enjoying the outdoors.
May contain: plant, tree, tree trunk, vegetation, adventure, hiking, leisure activities, nature, outdoors, person, land, woodland, grove, path, trail, jungle, animal, canine, dog, mammal, pet, wilderness, clothing, hat, and rainforest
A person stands beside a large tree in a grassy area with chairs nearby, surrounded by greenery and structures in the background.
Two men stand outdoors in a grassy area, smiling and posing for the camera, surrounded by trees and a car.

2026 Big Tree Contest: American Sycamore Tree!

We are seeking Sycamores!

A green-leaved tree with a white trunk against a plain background.

You have until July 17th 2026  to get your nominations in to us! It's simple and easy to do! Fill out the form. Let us do the rest. We will send you a confirmation of your entry to verify we have received the forms. We visit and score the trees in July.  Winning nominator gets a $25 gift card and the winning tree owner gets a special plaque. Forms and details are in the office or can be downloaded by clicking the links below.

Wayne SWCD Big Tree Contest Nomination Form -2026Wayne SWCD Big Tree Contest Information 2026 - American Sycamore 

Did You Know?  American Sycamore, while not the tallest tree, is considered the most massive tree as defined by its circumference in the entire eastern half of the United States, where it is native including all of Ohio. So we want to see these big boys! 

  • Sycamore trees are also distinguished by their large patches of smooth bark, which has a creamy "camo" appearance from its mix of yellow, tan, and gray. Where the bark isn't smooth, it's usually rough and flaky, resembling a layer of broken scales. The patterned bark on mature trees is extremely eye-catching.
  • Also notable are the large leaves that are alternately arranged, simple, and palmately veined and vary in size, even on the same tree. Each leaf has three to five lobes. The fruit consists of seeds clustered into a round 1-inch diameter ball hanging from a long, flexible stalk through most of the winter. 

Web Links - More info about Sycamore Trees: