Whether you’re trying to identify a tree in your backyard, learning how to measure one in the field, or looking for what other organizations are doing to protect significant trees, this is a good place to start.
In-Depth Resources
Tree Measurement Guide →
How Texas Tree Trails measures a champion or significant tree — circumference, height, crown spread, and the tree index formula. Includes field methods anyone can use (stick method, pencil method, clinometer) and the standards set by American Forests and the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Glossary →
An A–Z glossary of forestry and botanical terms used throughout this site and in tree-measurement work. Republished with permission from Forest Trees of Texas, How to Know Them (Bulletin 20, Texas A&M Forest Service).
Documents & Downloads →
Forms, brochures, and other downloadable materials for volunteers, and the public.
Associate Organizations and Related Programs
Our Associates
- Trinity Blacklands Urban Forestry Council (TBUFC)
- Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council (CTUFC)
- Texas Historic Tree Coalition (TXHTC)
- Texas A&M Forest Service
State and National Big Tree Programs
- National Register of Big Trees – American Forests national big tree registry
- American Forests’ Tree Measuring Guidelines (PDF)
- Texas Big Tree Registry
Historic, Heritage, and Indian Marker Trees
Texas Historic Tree Coalition – TxHTC maintains statewide tree registries for three categories of trees: historic, heritage, and Indian marker trees. The registration and confirmation processes for these categories are managed by TxHTC. The nomination form and criteria are similar to that of champion/big trees, but a historic research summary and supporting data showing why a particular tree or grove of trees is historically significant is also required (with corroboration from reputable historians or researchers).
- Historic and Heritage Trees – For nomination submission criteria, please see the Historic Tree nomination form and instructions at Historic and Heritage Tree Nomination Form – TxHTC.
- Indian Marker Trees (IMT) – For nomination submission criteria, please see the IMT nomination form and instructions at Indian Marker Tree Nomination Form – TxHTC.
Famous Trees of Texas
Famous Trees of Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service, living legends across the state
Source Publication
Much of the botanical and identification content on this site draws from Forest Trees of Texas, How to Know Them by Wilbur R. Mattoon — Bulletin 20 of the Texas A&M Forest Service. Originally published in 1990 (eighth edition, ninth printing). Now out of print; used copies are sometimes available from Amazon and other booksellers.