Big Tree Contest | Lorain SWCD

2026 Big Tree Contest

Lorain County Conservation District is kicking off our 11th annual Lorain County BIG TREE Contest! This contest will promote the beauty and benefits provided by our county’s biggest and oldest trees. This year we are looking for Lorain County's biggest NORTHERN CATALPA (Catalpa speciosa). Click here for a great informative article about Catalpa trees or here for a one-minute tutorial on this interesting species.

Participants can nominate what they believe to be the largest in Lorain County based on trunk circumference, crown spread, and total height. Nomination forms must be submitted to Lorain County Conservation District no later than Friday, July 24th, 2026 by 4:30 p.m. Please email jfisher@loraincounty.us or nominate through the mail to Lorain County Conservation District, 42110 Russia Rd., Elyria, OH 44035. You are also welcome to stop in the office.

The top three winners will be awarded gift certificates to The Original Don Mould's Garden Center in North Ridgeville. First place is $100.00, second place is $50.00 and third is $25.00. Winners will be announced at the Lorain SWCD Annual Meeting in September.

For more information, see the contest rules and entry forms below or call us at 440-326-5808.

2026 Contest Rules

2026 Entry Form

Northern Catalpa is a lovely specimen tree, adaptable to a wide range of soils. Catalpa is drought & urban pollution tolerant once established. Catalpas are fast growing but relatively short-lived, typically lasting about 50-70 years. It is the host plant for the catalpa sphinx moth, whose caterpillars spend the winter in leaf litter. The wood is sturdy & rot-resistant, but branches can be damaged in strong wind.

USDA Fact Sheet - Catalpa

Northern Catalpa - Catalpa speciosa 2026 species pick for Big Tree Contest

Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) is a large, deciduous tree native to the Midwest & Eastern United States. It is admired for its rapid growth, showy white flowers tinged with purple & yellow, large heart-shaped leaves, and long, slender seed pods. They leaf out late in the spring and are one of the first to drop their leaves in the fall. Catalpas prefer full sun but do well in part shade, too. They are relatively resistant to deer & rabbit browsing, but young trees should still be protected.