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East Point’s Hank Aaron Oak named state champ

East Point employees measure the Hank Aaron Oak Tree: left to right Andre Moore (Homeland Security Manager), Greg Hart (Parks Administrator), Dominic Maldonado (GIS Coordinator) and Edward J. Hall (Arborist). Courtesy of the city of East Point
East Point employees measure the Hank Aaron Oak Tree: left to right Andre Moore (Homeland Security Manager), Greg Hart (Parks Administrator), Dominic Maldonado (GIS Coordinator) and Edward J. Hall (Arborist). Courtesy of the city of East Point
By Pamela Miller
Feb 22, 2019

The Georgia Forestry Commission recently named the Hank Aaron Oak Tree in Connally Nature Park as a state Co-Champion Tree through Georgia’s Champion Tree Program. A champion tree is defined as the largest known tree of a particular species.

The City of East Point shares the title with a similar tree in Alpharetta. The Hank Aaron Oak Tree has a circumference of 200 inches, height of 168 feet and its crown spreads 120 feet.

For a tree to be considered it must meet certain criteria. It also must be a species recognized as native or naturalized in the continental United States.

There are species currently on Georgia’s Champion Tree list not listed in the Handbook because in the past any tree species was accepted. The goal is to remove these species over time as these champions cease to exist. Any naturalized tree species considered invasive will not be considered. A complete list of Georgia invasive trees: GAinvasives.org.

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Pamela Miller
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