American Forests received support from the U.S. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program on the recommendation of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, has developed America's Historic Tree Register. American Forests made the first reference to historic trees in our magazine in 1917. Since then, we have solicited and received many historic tree nominations. We published a Historic Tree book in 1976, another in 2001, and have authenticated and propagated historic trees since 1984. With all of American Forests' history with historic trees, we decided to finally develop a Register that allows everyone to nominate and view historic trees.

By using the Register, everyone can share their love of trees by nominating a tree that was a silent witness to history or played an important part in someone's life. America's Historic Tree Register showcases trees with historical and cultural significance in the United States and will include a section for people to share their stories of trees with special meaning to them - from the tree planted by a great-grandmother to the one they loved to climb as a child.

To develop America's Historic Tree Register, American Forests has used our years of experience working with different aspects of historic trees. Additionally, we have worked with a Historic Tree Advisory Committee comprised of various people that have State Historic Tree Registers. The Advisory Committee helped to establish the rules and guidelines for the program. Trees listed in America's Historic Tree Register will fall under 5 categories:

Historic trees - trees associated with a historic or cultural event

Famous people - trees associated with historical, cultural, literary, or artistic figures

Places - trees associated with historic locations or famous attractions

Age - trees that are remarkably old

Unique - trees that are unusual in size, shape, or growing range, have survived through difficult circumstances, or are significant in folklore

A nominated tree will be published in the Register if it can be included in one of the aforementioned categories and has supporting documents. If a nominated tree does not qualify for one of the 5 categories and/or does not have the correct supporting documents, then it will be listed as a Personal tree. This category, which is not a part of the official Register, will include any tree that has a special meaning to an individual.

Trees selected for the Register may also qualify for propagation and sale by American Forests' Historic Tree Program. The Historic Tree Program's nursery brings history alive by providing the offspring of trees connected to famous people, events, and places. If there is a distinctive tree in your state, region, town, or backyard, we encourage you to submit it to America's Historic Tree Register.