Of the 100 Biggest Trees in Connecticut, Four Are in Old Lyme, Lyme, and East Lyme

Our recent storms—Irene, Sandy, and the blizzard—have taken their toll on local trees but there are some impressive giants that are still standing. In fact, Old Lyme, Lyme, and East Lyme are home to some of Connecticut's most notable trees, with two national and state champions.

The website Connecticut's Notable Trees is packed with information about the state's special trees.

Here's what we learned about the ones in Old Lyme, Lyme, and East Lyme:

• A Norway Maple in Old Lyme is a Connecticut and a national champion. Nominated by Abraham Monahan in 2011, it's an impressive 104 feet high, with a circumference of 212 inches and an average spread of 95 feet.
• A Sugar Maple in Lyme is a Connecticut and National co-champion, with a height of 123 feet, a circumference of 219 inches, and an average spread of 86 feet. It was nominated by Sally Handy and measured by Monahan in 2012. 
• East Lyme has two of the state's biggest trees. One is a Copper European Beech that stands 76 feet high, with a circumference of 276 inches, and an average spread of 85 feet. The other is a Copper Beech that, when last measured in 2007, was 80 feet tall, with a circumference of 244 inches and a spread of 83.5 feet. Both trees were nominated by Joe Mingo.  

According to the Connecticut Notable Trees website, "the Notable Trees Project collects and distributes information about Connecticut's largest and most historic trees, both native and introduced. By educating our fellow citizens about the importance of our state's natural heritage we work to preserve it. It is a volunteer enterprise sponsored by the Connecticut Botanical Society, The Connecticut College Arboretum, and the Connecticut Urban Forest Council."

Note: Locations on the Connecticut Notable Trees website are not given without permission from owners of trees on private property.