Easily recognized by their large size, proximity to water, and strikingly smooth, white bark mottled with brown and gray, the American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) took this year’s spotlight as the featured tree in Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) Big Tree Contest. The white bark of these trees is perhaps their most distinguishing characteristic. Even when leafless in the midst of winter, their bark still shines vividly white, marking the paths of our creeks and rivers. While the Sycamore is commendable for its looks alone, the ecological and economic benefits they provide are what really take these trees to new heights.
“Because the District has been promoting Runoff Reduction as the stormwater education theme throughout 2019, the American Sycamore was an easy tree of choice for its ability to slow down and absorb stormwater,” said Carmella Shale, Geauga SWCD Director/Engineer. Known as “guardians of the stream,” sycamores are like sentinels protecting and buffering the banks of waterways where they grow. Sycamore trees don’t mind having “wet feet” and are effective at soaking up rainwater and surface flow. In doing so, they slow stormwater while intercepting sediment and filtering out pollutants. One American Sycamore with a diameter of 45 inches can absorb as much as 7,538 gallons of stormwater runoff each year!
While their big, gnarly roots help to stabilize channels and reduce bank erosion, their branching canopies shade and cool the stream, which increases the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Among many wildlife benefits, their roots, branches, and fallen leaves provide food and shelter to countless critters including birds, bass, mussels, and mayflies, to name a few. “Sycamore trees are huge contributors to healthy stream ecosystems,” said Colleen Sharp, Natural Resources Technician. “As we monitor Geauga County streams every summer through our Millennium Youth Conservation (MYC) program, these giants are a common and welcomed sight along our rivers and tributaries!”
This year’s Big Tree Contest recognized the largest nominated American Sycamore trees on both public and private land, and it was no surprise that both champions are growing in perfect sycamore fashion… along a major waterway. Congratulations to Geauga County’s 2019 Big Tree winner on public land, the West Geauga Commons Joint Recreation District for having the winning American Sycamore tree! This tree stands tall and majestic along the Chagrin River at the West Geauga Commons Park in Russell Township and was nominated by Geauga County resident and master gardener, Susan Curtis. Impressive and immense, this tree stands at approximately 115 feet high, with an estimated crown spread of 101 feet, and circumference of 14 feet, 5.5 inches (173.5 inches total). With an overall tree index of 313.75 using Ohio’s Big Tree ranking formula,this tree provides enormous ecological and economic value – providing hundreds of dollars of annual benefits and intercepting thousands of gallons of stormwater runoff each year. Equally amazing isthe longevity of this tree’s life. We’re sure this tree will continue to inspire others at this highly visible park and we encourage you to visit this tree at the western-most edge of the park. Upon entering the park, head west to the furthest parking lot, then follow the path to the Chagrin River and you will easily see this tree along the paved trail, conveniently marked with a species identification sign.
The District also honored the Geauga County Big Tree Contest winner on private land, growing along Silver Creek and owned by Anthony Pacioreck of Novelty. This tree stands at approximately 132 feet high, with a crown spread of 68 feet, a circumference of 8 feet, 5 inches (101 inches total), and an overall tree index of 250.
As you are out and about this winter, take the time to admire Geauga County’s biggest and oldest trees for all of the beauty and benefits they bring! And perhaps next year nominate one of your own. Stay tuned for more information as we search for Geauga County’s biggest Black Walnut tree in 2020!
Pictured In Cover Photo: Sue Curtis of Novelty, nominated the 2019 American Sycamore Tree Champion for public land in the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District’s Big Tree Contest. Located in West Geauga Commons, Curtis visits the park (and the tree) frequently.
Photo courtesy of the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District
