Big Trees on Campus
Scroll down to learn about the 13 trees on Towson University's campus that are registered as part of MD's Big Tree Program!
Maryland Big Tree Program
The MD Big Tree Program began in 1925, and recognizes landowners who take care of their big trees. It also serves as a database for scientific study of documented big trees in Maryland. There are currently 2210 individual trees (with 137 unique species) registered through the program. At Towson University, we have 13 trees (12 unique species) registered in this program.
In order to meet the state's criteria for its Big Tree Program, each tree must meet certain specifications: the tree must accumulate 300+ points based on its measurements. The formula for Total Points = Circumference (inches) + Height (feet) + 25% of the Average Crown Spread (feet). A tree could also qualify if it is within 70% of the points that the current state champion tree holds, or the tree could qualify by simply being the state champion.
In this story map, you will visit 3 parts of Towson's campus that are home to the trees registered in the MD Big Tree Program. You'll first view the trees on our Main Campus, then you will travel into to the Glen Arboretum, and finally you will stop through the Athletic Precinct.
All of the maps in the Big Tree Story map are interactive--click on a symbol to find out more on that specific big tree.
The Main Campus
Main campus is the northernmost part of campus at TU. This is where the majority of resident students live, where commuter students park, and where classes are held. There are 3 trees registered in the Big Tree Program on this part of campus.
Honeylocust
Close up of the honeylocust on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the honeylocust on campus
Photo of honeylocust seeds by John Hall
This tall tree, with a height of 86 feet, can be found just outside of Newell Dining Hall at TU. It is our first Baltimore County Champion on the list. This means that this tree is the largest honeylocust that exists in Baltimore County.
Honeylocust trees are a native deciduous tree to North America. They are most frequently found in wet river valleys, a very common site in the Chesapeake region.
Dawn Redwood
Close up of the dawn redwood on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the dawn redwood on campus
A tall shadow cast by TU's Dawn Redwood
This dawn redwood stands tall next to Smith Hall on campus. It is the 2nd tallest tree on campus, measuring in at 94 feet tall. It is also quite wide, with a circumference of 8.75 feet.
Dawn redwoods are an ancient species as old as the dinosaurs. This tree is easy to plant and grows quickly. This type of tree is a deciduous conifer. It has small, green, needle-like leaves that turn reddish-brown in the fall.
American Elm
Close up of the American elm on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the American elm on campus
American elm leaf (early November)
American elm (sometimes called the "white elm") has a fast growth rate and wide range of potential habitats. Its hardiness allows for a range as far south as Florida and as far north as Newfoundland. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow. American elm was severely impacted by Dutch Elm Disease, wiping out over 99% of the trees. This one is treated to preserve it.
Its wide base (17 feet) and tall stature (67 feet) outside of the West Village Commons provide students with shade in the summertime.
The Glen Arboretum
The Glen Arboretum is a special section of Main Campus. It is home to 10 acres of green space, where a variety of tree and plant species call home. Established in 1936, it is the largest and most vegetated green space on campus. This area is a popular spot for on-campus research and outdoor activities. While there are only 2 trees registered for the Big Tree Program within the Glen, it is still home to other large trees.
Southern Red Oak
Close up of the southern red oak on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the southern red oak on campus
Red oak leaf
This is the largest tree at Towson University, with a recorded height of 99 feet. Southern red oaks are also sometimes called "Spanish oaks." This southern variant of oak trees was more common in southern Spanish colonies in America, even though it is unlike other native Spanish trees.
It is a deciduous tree native to North America. It can grow in medium-low quality soil and fairly quickly for an oak. Its acorn seeds are nutritious for many animals like squirrels and deer, while also providing habitat for many birds, butterflies, moths, owls, and squirrels. On campus, it resides in the Glen Arboretum.
Umbrella Magnolia
Close up of the umbrella magnolia on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the umbrella magnolia on campus
This umbrella magnolia is one of the shortest tall trees on campus measuring at 36 feet in height, exceeding its projected 15-30 foot range. Umbrella magnolias are native to the Appalachian region. The tree's common name comes from the long shape of its leaves and how they cluster overhead. In the center of the leaves grows a large flower. Through the other side of the flower is where the cone shaped, red fruits can be found.
The Athletic Precinct
The Athletic Precinct lies on the southernmost part of campus. It is home to Minnegan Field at Johnny Unitas Stadium, SECU Arena, as well as 6 other athletic practice fields. It's also home to 7 of our big trees, which is over half of the big trees that are registered here at TU.
White Oak
Close up of the white oak on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the white oak on campus
The white oak is Maryland’s state tree. These trees can live for over 600 years, but does not begin to produce acorns until it is over the age of 50. It can reach heights of 150 feet.
White oaks are often cut down for timber, commonly used to make barrels, furniture, and flooring. This White oak on campus is still growing, with its recorded height of 90 feet, and can be found right next to the varsity football and soccer practice fields.
European Weeping Beech
Close up of the European weeping beech on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the European weeping beech on campus
European weeping beech leaves
This European weeping beech is another TU Big Tree that is a Baltimore County Champion! This deciduous tree has branches that hang low towards the ground. In the fall, the European weeping beech's leaves transition from a green hue to golden-bronze. This tree grows best in mid-latitude areas where it can receive water and sunlight regularly, but its not picky about what kind of soil it sits in.
Fun fact: you can part its branches and hang out underneath this tree's canopy. Try it out on a warm day to enjoy nature and stay cool.
Japanese Black Pine
Close up of Japanese Black Pine #1 on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the Japanese Black Pine #1 on campus
Close up of the Japanese Black Pine #2 on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the Japanese Black Pine #2 on campus
Japanese black pine needles
This species has the potential to grow to over 100 feet tall in the ideal setting, but this is uncommon outside of Japan. At TU, the 2 Japanese black pines only have reached heights of 31 feet (Japanese Black Pine #1) and 42 feet (Japanese Black Pine #2) respectively and can be found over near Towson Center. Though they are much shorter than their tallest range, the 42-foot tall Japanese black pine is a Maryland State Champion!
This species is very tolerant to coastal landscapes. It grows best more inland, however.
Eastern Hemlock
Close up of the eastern hemlock on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the eastern hemlock on campus
Eastern hemlock needles
This towering conifer, measuring at 86 feet tall, can be found over near Towson Center. The evergreen color stays with the tree year-round, and can be found in cool regions all around Appalachia. It is capable of residing in moist, acidic, and rocky soils.
Despite being capable of living 1000 years, these North American natives are susceptible an invasive woolly adelgid attacks. This is the state tree of Pennsylvania, and it is sometimes called "Canadian hemlock."
Yellow Buckeye
Close up of the yellow buckeye on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the yellow buckeye on campus
Yellow buckeye leaf
This tree is native to the Appalachian region, and is the tallest variant of buckeye trees. The seeds are produced within the large horse chestnuts that cluster near the leaves. Once split in the fall, the husk shows its holding 2 nuts, thought to resemble the eye of a male deer. Hence the name “buckeye”.
The wood is often used for: wood carving and furniture. Yellow buckeye lumber is the softest and lightest of the hardwoods native to the US.
European Purple Beech
Close up of the European purple beech on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the European purple beech on campus
European purple beech leaves
In the warm summer months, this beech tree's leaves are a dark plum. As winter approaches, the leaves' color switches to a lighter copper hue. This gives the Eurapean purple beech an alternative common name, the "copper beech."
All beech trees have the genetic potential to be this color, but green leaved beech trees have this gene turned off. Some trees are bred to be this purple color, while most other beech trees can only have green leaves. Saplings that have more purple than green leaves end up becoming purple beech trees. A mature beech tree also has the potential to produce purple leaves, but they would be exclusive to a singular branch in that case.
This tree is another Baltimore County Champion, and can be found near the Auburn House next to the Towson Center.
Silver Linden
Close up on the silver linden on the Big Tree Map
Photo of the silver linden on campus
Silver linden leaves
This silver linden tree can be found just outside of Auburn House.
This species is native to Europe and Asia. They are fairly tolerant to different soil and climate conditions, and is the most tolerant linden species. The seeds are small, egg shaped nutlets that hang from the leaves. The green leaves are said to have a silvery shimmer, giving the silver linden tree its name.
Thanks for viewing our tree story map! Check out other green campus initiatives through TU's Sustainability Page !
