2026 Big Tree Contest: American Sycamore Tree!

We are seeking Sycamores!

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.

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:

• American Sycamore Tree Facts: https://www.plantingtree.com/blogs/gardening/american-sycamore-tree-facts
• Sycamore Factsheet by Clemson Co-op Extension https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/sycamore/
• Sycamore Tree:  https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/broad-leaf-trees/Sycamore-Platanus-occidentalis
• How to Identify Maple, Sycamore, Yellow-Poplar, and Sweetgum Leaves  https://www.treehugger.com/identify-maple-sycamore-yellow-poplar-sweetgum-leaves-1343480#:~:text=Like%20maple%20leaves%2C%20sycamore%20leaves,a%20layer%20of%20broken%20scales