Did you know there is an enormous sugar maple with a diameter of 69 inches (in 2003!) in Guilford, Vermont? Or a sycamore in Harmonyville in Townshend that has a diameter of 64 inches, and a crown spread of 100 feet (in 2003!)? These are truly champion trees - the biggest ones we know exist. There could be others “out there” somewhere, but these champions are the ones that have been found and are listed on the Vermont Champion Tree list. The Vermont Big Tree Survey keeps a running tally of the state’s enormous trees. It takes more than just a big diameter, though, to make it on the list. Height, circumference, and crown spread are also taken into consideration. Age is not a factor in this big tree designation - but these giants must have been around a while in order to attain these sizes. Over the years they have endured the deep cold, snow and ice loads, and heavy winds that Vermont weather can generate. Sugar maple can grow to be well over 300 years old. Inch by inch, foot by foot, over centuries, these champions have grown to be the largest of their kind in Vermont. For a complete listing of all Vermont Champion Trees, see: http://www.vermonttreesociety.org/list.htm, and for information in general about the Vermont Big Tree Society, see: http://www.vermonttreesociety.org/index.html