Michigan’s Towering Giants: The Story of the State’s Tallest Tree

Michigan’s Towering Giants: The Story of the State’s Tallest Tree

Michigan. Just the name conjures up images of shimmering lakes, dense forests, and maybe even a lumberjack or two. And when you think of those forests, you probably picture some pretty big trees, right? But have you ever wondered which one reigns supreme, scraping the sky as the tallest in the whole state? It’s a question that’s kept tree-huggers (and, well, me!) fascinated for years.

So, what is the answer? It’s not as simple as you might think, and the title has changed hands a few times.

The Current Champ: A White Pine Wonder

As of recently, the tallest tree in Michigan is a stunning Eastern White Pine. Picture this: it’s tucked away in the remote McCormick Wilderness of the Upper Peninsula, far from the crowds and the noise. This isn’t your average tree; it’s a real giant. Nick Hansen, a stream ecologist with an eye for detail, first spotted its impressive height. But it was Byron Sailor from the Michigan Botanical Club’s Big Tree Register program who confirmed it, tape measure in hand. The verdict? A whopping 155 feet (47.2 meters) tall! That’s taller than a ten-story building!

And it’s not just tall; it’s a beefy tree, too. Imagine wrapping your arms around a trunk that’s over 15 feet in circumference. Its crown spreads out 63 feet wide, providing shade for what feels like half the forest. Standing near it, you get a sense of what Michigan must have looked like centuries ago, untouched and wild. To keep it safe and sound, the exact location is a closely guarded secret.

A Game of Thrones for Trees

Believe it or not, this white pine hasn’t always held the crown. Back in 2007, another Eastern White Pine clocked in at 143 feet and held the title. And before that? A Blue Ash in Lenawee County stood tall at 155 feet way back in 1983. It just goes to show, things change, even in the slow-moving world of trees! They grow, they fall, new ones are discovered – it’s a constant evolution.

The Big Tree Hunters

For over 65 years, the Michigan Botanical Club has been keeping track of these arboreal behemoths through the Michigan Big Tree Register. It’s basically a who’s who of the biggest trees in the state. This register is super important for understanding and protecting Michigan’s forests. Volunteer tree-measurers (yes, that’s a thing!) nominate and measure trees, adding to our knowledge of these amazing ecosystems.

They don’t just look at height, either. They also measure the trunk’s circumference and how wide the crown spreads. Each tree gets a score based on all these measurements. So, while the white pine is the tallest right now, another tree might have a higher overall score if it’s particularly wide or has a massive crown. For example, there’s a Black Willow in Grand Traverse County that boasts the biggest recorded circumference in the state!

Why Should We Care About Big Trees?

Okay, so they’re big. But why does it matter? Well, these giants are a valuable natural resource. They’re often the oldest of their kind, carrying unique genetic information that’s crucial for keeping the species healthy. They’re also like environmental canaries, giving us early warnings about climate change. Trees growing at their absolute limit are often the first to show signs of stress. Plus, let’s be honest, they’re just plain awesome. They connect us to history and inspire a sense of wonder.

The Quest Continues

The search for Michigan’s biggest trees never really ends. Groups like ReLeaf Michigan are always encouraging people to nominate and measure trees. Who knows? Maybe you’ll stumble upon the next record-breaker! As Michigan’s forests keep growing and changing, new giants will emerge, reminding us of the incredible beauty and importance of the natural world around us. So, get out there and look up! You never know what you might find.