City's Seeking Biggest Sugar Maple in Joliet

This article was submitted by the city of Joliet:

The City of Joliet’s Tree Advisory Board is again sponsoring a “Big Tree Contest" as part of its 2013 Arbor Day Celebration. This year’s goal is to identify the largest sugar maple tree within Joliet’s city limits.

Sugar maples, also known as hard maples, are medium to large trees that have a broad rounded crown. They can grow to a height of 80 feet and can have a 3 foot diameter trunk. Naturally found in moist woods, their
brilliant yellow and orange fall color make them a favorite. Maple syrup is derived from the sap. Seeds are winged.

The contest is open to all residents of Joliet. The winning tree will be determined by measuring the circumference (distance around the tree 4.5 feet above the ground), the height, and the spread of the crown.

City Forester Jim Teiber will take official measurements to verify the winner.

The tree may be on public or private property. If nominating a tree that is on someone else’s private property, please ask permission to nominate.

Nominations will be accepted until noon, Friday, April 19, 2013, and may be dropped off at or mailed to City of Joliet, Big Tree Contest/Forestry Division, 1203 Cedarwood Drive, Joliet, IL 60435.

Nomination forms are available at both Joliet Public Library branches and will be posted online at www.cityofjoliet.info.

For more information please call 815- 791-8216.

The winner will receive a framed photo of their “Big Tree” with acknowledgment of their honor. The winner will be announced on, or before, Arbor Day, Friday, April 26, 2013.

To view the Illinois Big Tree Register, which lists champion trees in the State, visit the Illinois Big Tree Register’s Web site at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/il_big_tree.html.