The New Jersey Forest Service Community Forestry Program uses
the following formula to determine the potential Big Tree
Champions: Circumference of trunk (in inches) + tree height (in
feet) + 1/4 average crown spread (in feet) = total points. How
to Measure a Trees Circumference Measure the circumference of
the tree at 4 1/2 feet off the ground in inches, or if the tree
sits on a slope, 4 1/2 feet from the uphill side. If the tree
has a branch or abnormal swelling at 4 1/2 feet, take the
measurement where the trunk returns to normal size. If you
measure below 4 1/2 feet, make sure to include the actual height
where the measurement was taken. For example: 182"circumference
at 3 feet. How to Measure a Trees Height There are many ways to
measure the height of a tree. You can purchase a clinometer,
which will mechanically do the math for you or you can use the
stick method that is described below. 1. Hold the stick or ruler
at its base vertically, making certain that the length of the
stick above your hand equals