Are you ready to ruuuuuuummmmmbbbbllllleeee!? Big Tree Madness is back for its fourth year, and we couldn’t be more excited. Anticipation has been building all year, but in case you’re new to the series — or just need a little refresher — here’s a quick breakdown before the tournament begins.

To sweeten the pot a bit this year, and to rack up even more votes than years past, we’re excited to share that the winning statewill receive a brand new TruPulse 360B laser from LaserTech! So, who’s made it to this year’s Sweet 16? Let’s take a look…

 

From the East, we have:

Maryland, Shagbark hickory New Hampshire, pitch pine New York, northern red oak New Jersey, sweetgum

The four Champions from the South region:

Texas, Mexican pinyon pine North Carolina, Eastern hemlock Tennessee, September elm Florida, South Florida slash pine

Representing the Midwest:

Missouri, white basswood Michigan, black maple Ohio, Peachleaf willow Nebraska, eastern cottonwood

And last, but not least, our Champions from the West:

Hawaii, Koa California, western juniper Utah, Rocky Mountain white fir Oregon, Incense-cedar

And, there it is, folks — this year’s Big Tree Madness bracket! So, how can you participate? Vote, vote vote!

All voting will take place via American Forests’ Facebook page, so if you aren’t following us yet, do so now. You will have 24 hours to vote on each match-up every weekday with voting starting at 10:00 am EST and ending at 9:59 am EST the next day. We will have one match-up per day starting on March 15, ending with the championship on April 4 — the same day as the men’s NCAA basketball final. The Ultimate Champion Tree will be announced the next day.

We will announce the winner of every match-up on Facebook, so you can keep track at home or with the bracket on our website. Ultimately, the winner of Big Tree Madness is in your hands so stand behind your favorite school, your home state, the coolest big tree or the best species. Mark your calendars and tune into the battle of big trees — and don’t forget to tell your friends!

Big Tree Madness is part of the American Forests National Big Tree Program. American Forests thanks the program’s premier sponsor, The Davey Tree Expert Company.