Baldcypress – General Information

Q: A visiting friend from Ohio was told of a “champion” baldcypress in Newton, Georgia. I am having the hardest time finding any reference to it online or otherwise. Can you guide me to this wonder?

A: The Georgia Forestry Commission maintains a list of champion trees in the state. There are actually three co-champion baldcypress trees, ranging in height from seventy eight to one hundred thirty five feet. They are located in Effingham, Screven and Jefferson counties along the eastern side of the state. Newton, GA is way down in Baker county, near the Florida line. It is not listed as the home of any prize-winning monsters. You can check out the current state champion tree list here (broken link). Locally, Trees Atlanta maintains a list of metro-area champion trees.