Do You Have The Biggest Tree In Avon? The City Wants To Know

AVON, OH — Arbor Day is being celebrated April 28 in Avon. To commemorate the almost-holiday, the city has planned a series of events, including a tree hike, tree pruning demonstration and more. One of the other activities planned for that day is the crowning of Avon's biggest tree.

The city is asking residents to measure their trees — if they think they have the biggest tree in the land (or at least Avon). Residents are being asked to measure the circumference of their bark-y companions.

"Get a friend and a flexible measuring tape or string. Measure the tree at 4.5 feet above the ground to see how big the circumference is. If the tree forks before 4.5 feet, each trunk is treated as a separate tree. If the tree has a branch or bump, measure just below it. Once the measurement is taken, email the location and identifying features of the tree, along with your name and contact information to lmcnutt@metroparks.cc by April 22," the city said in a flyer.

Trees have to be on private property to be considered on the contest. Public property trees aren't in the running.

Besides the biggest tree contest, the city is also hosting a schedule of activities. Here's what's planned for April 28:

• Tree hike from noon to 1 p.m.
• Build a tree from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Tree pruning demonstration from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• Forest Bathing from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ongoing conservatory displays from noon to 4 p.m.

The first 50 families to arrive for the programs will get a free seedling tree. The Miller Nature Preserve is located at 2739 Center Road, Avon.