Do you have a big or favorite Noble Tree in Spartanburg County?  
Enter Your Tree in the 2025 Best Noble Tree Contest!

Sponsored by
The Noble Tree Foundation
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve

WHAT IS A NOBLE TREE?

A Noble Tree is a tree planted for the next generation. According to The Noble Tree Foundation, “Noble Trees are tall, substantial trees that, when planted wisely, will endure for generations.” A Noble Tree is long-lived, strong, and majestic over time. Some would equate it to age, but that is not true. All aged Noble Trees start out as young Noble Trees. In looking for a Noble Tree, look for a tree that will be, or has been, long-lived and shows a handsome structure.

Noble trees are homes to birds, highways for squirrels, destinations for pollinators, food sources for animals, and anchors for tree houses and swings. These inspiring trees enhance everyday life and create memories for those who encounter them - some even call them spiritual sky ways to heaven.

The contest is a way to educate our community about the importance of Noble Trees and will be a great resource to locate Spartanburg County's largest and most notable specimen trees. Additionally, the entries will help to create a map of the tree canopy of Spartanburg County and show open areas where Noble Trees need to be planted.

HOW TO ENTER YOUR NOBLE TREE

1. Locate your Noble Tree (Click on this link to view examples of Noble Trees in Spartanburg County)

2. Take a photo of the tree

3. Make your best guess on its height (in feet), crown spread (width in feet), and trunk circumference (inches). Need help? Reference our guide on HOW TO MEASURE A TREE! Don’t worry if your information is incorrect. Our tree experts will confirm the data for you!

4. Enter your Noble Tree data online or download our paper form and mail it in!

   
   
   
   

   THIS CONTEST IS FOR EVERYONE IN SPARTANBURG COUNTY!
   The Noble Tree Foundation will donate $2500 to Hatcher Garden in the name of the winning entrant and $100 each in the name of five notable mention entrants.
   You can make your entry online or by downloading the entry form and mailing to: Hatcher Garden, P.O. Box 2337, Spartanburg, SC 29304.

DOWNLOAD PAPER FORM

Nominated Trees in the Noble Trees of Spartanburg County Contest

Click the arrow on the top blue bar in the left-hand corner to see the trees nominated.

Navy blue, blue and yellow markers are those trees who were nominated in the years 2022, 2023 and 2024, respectively.

We will accept Noble Trees of Spartanburg County Contest nominations beginning May 12, 2024, through April 14, 2025.  Those Noble Trees nominated between the dates of May 12, 2024, and April 14, 2025, are eligible to win the 2025 contest.

2025 WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE TWILIGHT IN THE GARDEN EVENT TO BE HELD IN MAY OF 2024

The 2024 Best Noble Tree of Spartanburg County Contest
Winner and Notable Mentions

2024 Best Noble Tree Contest Winner
White Oak (Quercus alba) located on the campus of Spartanburg High School adjacent Highway 29.
nominated by Joyce Coggins

The Noble Tree Foundation was formed in 1999 by Roger Milliken with the mission to promote the education and activities of the people of Spartanburg County relating to the knowledge and planting of Noble Trees, landscaping, and alignment of projects that help beautify the broader community. Fun fact: The yellow tree in the logo is based on the ‘Milliken’ Chinese Elm located on the Milliken campus.To find out more about the Noble Tree Foundation, click here.