Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey Forest Service

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Join the Big Tree Hunt on May 4, 2024!

The New Jersey Forest Service's Big Tree Program invites you, your family and friends to explore your backyard and New Jersey's public lands on Saturday May 4th, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM  to help us "hunt" for trees to be added to our Big Tree Registry!

We are asking participants to find the tree height, tree circumference and average crown for each submission, along with species and location information.

The three largest trees found during the hunt will receive a prize:

  1. 1st Prize: Measuring Wheel
  2. 2nd Prize: 300 ft. Tape
  3. 3rd Prize: Back Pack

Instructions: Big tree hunters must find a big new tree, not on the Registry, and the top 3 largest by points wins! The hunt will last one month from May 4th.

Scroll down to submit your findings!

How to Measure Big Trees

Before your head out on your hunt, you're going to need to learn how to properly measure a Big Tree.

How to Measure Tree Circumference

How to Measure Tree Height

How to Measure Average Crown

You can learn more about measuring Big Trees by clicking here.

Submit a Big Tree

Thanks for participating in the Big Tree Hunt! Please submit your findings through this form.

Note: Please "hunt" for Big Trees only on property that you have permission to, state parks and forests are a great place to start!

Explore the Big Tree Registry

While we already know about these trees, seeing some of New Jersey's largest trees in person can be an awe inspiring experience!

Benefits of Big Trees

New Jersey takes pride in its big trees and for good reason. These mammoth trees are not just tree resources; they are mega tree resources providing up to 600 times the environmental benefits of typical trees. Big trees:

  • Remove tons of pollution from our air annually;
  • Combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air;
  • Lower electric costs up to 50 percent by providing shade to nearby structures;
  • Reduce the heat island effect;
  • Prevent water runoff, erosion and water pollution;
  • Prevent flooding;
  • Saves water by slowing evapotranspiration of thirsty lawns;
  • One acre of mature trees releases enough oxygen for 18 people in one year;
  • Filter ground water by absorbing nutrients and toxins through their roots;
  • Provide wildlife habitat;
  • Provide food in the form of fruits and nuts;
  • Represent historic events;
  • Provide wood and high-quality forest products;
  • Unify communities and organizations;
  • Help increase property values by as much as 15 percent;
  • Slow water evaporation via shade, saving water;
  • Create visually pleasing barriers;
  • Provide natural sound barriers;
  • Offer superior resistant genetics compared with typical trees;
  • Increase traffic to businesses;
  • Improve human psyche and physical health;