Nashville Tree Foundation’s annual, city-wide celebration of trees

The Search for Nashville’s Biggest Tree — Anyone Can Join In!

The Big Old Tree Contest is for families, friends, classrooms, or solo nature lovers. By identifying and submitting a Big Old Tree, you are taking part in a countywide effort to track these living landmarks. You could find the biggest tree in your neighborhood, your school, or the county!

What is the Big Old Tree Contest?

The Big Old Tree Contest is a city-wide celebration of trees. Whether it’s the oldest, or the largest, or the most significant tree in Nashville, we want to share their story. We believe that trees are living treasures, and their historical, cultural, and ecological significance should be acknowledged. By showcasing these majestic specimens, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and protecting our urban forest.

Nashville Tree Foundation created the Big Old Tree Contest in 1986 to educate school children on the importance of our local tree canopy. The program is now a historic resource to identify and chronicle the city’s largest and most notable trees, and has honored more than 1,000 trees across Davidson County.

Big Old Tree Awards & Recognition Ceremony

Join us for the 2025 Big Old Tree Contest Awards & Recognition Ceremony! We had many awe-inspiring entries in this year’s contest, and we are so excited to recognize these trees as some of Nashville’s most notable specimens.

This is a celebration of all things “tree,” featuring tree walks, family-friendly crafts, snacks, and tree lovers from all around. Tickets are free, but make sure to RSVP!

When: November 15th, 10 am to 12 pm

Where: Ed Jones Auditorium, Ellington Agricultural Center

Click Here to RSVP!

Contest Details

Rules:

  1. Tree must be alive and accessible, so we can verify its species and size.
  2. Three measurements are taken to determine the tree’s ultimate “point total”, and points are compared between species.
  3. All entries must be submitted online by August 31st, 2025.

Categories:

  • Biggest Overall Tree (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place)
  • Biggest Tree found by a Junior Tree Hugger (15 and under)
  • Biggest Tulip Poplar (TN State Tree) 
  • Biggest Schoolyard Tree 
  • Story Tree
  • Unique Tree 

Please note: Trees nominated after the deadline will not be considered for this year’s contest and will instead be reviewed for next year’s contest.

Big Old Tree Contest Winners

We’ve honored more than 1,000 trees, so be sure to look for your tree on our interactive map to check if your tree has previously won. Trees will only be a winner once and must be located in Davidson County.

Big Old Tree Registry

All Big Old Trees in data form