Big Trees Announcement

The Deering Trees Make UNH Coveted Big Tree List

In 2019 some members of the Conservation Commission joined the county coordinator of the Big Tree list in measuring a sugar maple on East Deering Rd, a white ash on Old County Rd, and a white oak on Union St. Since then Gary and Dennis found two large basswood along the Contoocook in W Deering. 

From the earlier measuring we learned that the oak was a Hillsborough champion, and that the maple and ash were state champs. The maple was possibly a national champion.

In order to confirm the status of trees at the state level, a more accurate  laser measurement was required.  Last week we accompanied the UNH tree team to take those laser measurements.

I am very pleased to report that the sugar maple is state champion and will be nominated for national ranking. The ash lost some height in the laser measuring and is demoted to Hillsborough county champion. Dennis and I were right to nominate the basswood because it turns out to be the biggest basswood in our county. The white oak remains county champ.

Considering these trees, and all the big black gums and other trees  growing here in our many conserved acres, maybe we can have a town motto: "Small town. Awesome trees."

Cheers, Gary Samuels