2018's Great American Tree Competition

Species:Juniperus virginiana

Location:Coffee County, GA

"Many people throughout Coffee County, GA have meaningful connections with the Lone Hill United Methodist Church and its beautiful Cemetery that traces its history to it first known burial in 1848.  The cemetery covers several acres; it has become the final resting place for hundreds of people whose families made this region their home.  Military veterans from the Civil War through the Iraq War are buried here, and are their family members who inspired and celebrated their service. Others are drawn to this special place to witness the National Champion Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) that has beautified, sheltered, and anchored this space for generations.   

Those who have not seen this stately, enormous tree should venture out to see it.  The site is about 10 miles northeast of Douglas, GA on the Broxton-West Green Road.  Through the years the tree has been featured in such varied publications as the Douglas Enterprise, Smithsonian magazine, Janisse Ray’s book Wild Card Quilt, and the Coffee Historical Society’s Coffee Chronicles. Those visiting will witness a majestic tree that has nurtured and sheltered generations of the faithful. 

Recent measurements re-affirmed this Eastern Redcedar’s stature as a National Champion.  The circumference of the trunk is 251 inches, its height is 56 feet, and the crown exceeds 88 feet. The estimated age is approximately 250 years old."

Nominated by Mark