We are pleased to announce the winner of the BIG TREE CONTEST for Shagbark Hickory in Wayne County goes to Roger Baker’s large historic tree that scored 222.5 points!  This lovely ole tree had a total circumference of 127 inches (10’7”) and was 80 feet tall!  If anyone want to view the winning tree, it can easily been seen just off North Firestone Road, diagonal from the Bethel United Methodist Church! You can’t miss it! A close 2nd place went to the TALLEST Shagbark Hickory that we measured, owned by Will Moore – that scored 208.5  points. It  had of 98 inches (8’2”) and measured 95.5  feet tall. We were thrilled to have 6 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 our entries for the contest.  

1st       222. 5 points  Roger Baker

2nd      208.5 points   Will Moore

3rd      195.5           Sherri Gochnauer

4th      190.75              Arlin Geiser

5th      187.25              Ron Bosley Jr.

6th      174                   Neva Tegtmeier

It’s easy to see how shagbark hickories got their name—their trunks are characterized by long, peeling strips of bark. Some animals, like Indiana bats, make their homes in snug crevices beneath the loose bark. Branches and leaves of shagbarks form oval-shaped crowns in the spring and summer. Hickories are deciduous trees, so when autumn arrives, their leaves turn pale green to yellowish-brown before falling to the ground. The average height of shagbark hickories is between 60 and 80 feet (18 and 24 meters) tall, but they sometimes reach 120 feet (36.5 meters) in height. Hickories are members of the walnut family, and the fruit of the shagbark hickory is highly prized by both humans and wildlife. The fruit is a nut with a hard outer husk that splits open when ripe. Black bears, foxes, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and a number of birds enjoy the nuts every fall. Shagbark hickories reach maturity and start producing seeds at around 40 years old. The average lifespan is 200 years, but some longer-lived shagbarks can continue to produce seeds until age 300. The trees have a number of commercial uses. The wood is excellent for burning, and it’s used to produce flavorful food like hickory-smoked bacon. Hickory lumber is strong and shock-resistant, which makes it a great option for making tool handles, ladder rungs, athletic equipment, furniture, and flooring. Fun FACT: Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president and Major General during the War of 1812, was nicknamed “Old Hickory” because he was considered to be as tough as a hickory tree.  Enjoy the hickories and cherish the old ones! https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Shagbark-Hickory

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. 

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!