Beloit’s Heritage Trees Program
As part of celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2026, Beloit Heritage Days is launching the Beloit Heritage Trees program. Community members will have the opportunity to locate and identify significant trees on public property and on their own property in the Beloit regional area.
Why are we doing this? Heritage Trees are silent witnesses to the history of the land and the changes that have happened over the years. Beloit’s Heritage Tree program gives us a meaningful way to recognize the living landmarks that connect our community to its past.
Where are we doing this? The general area for this encompasses Beloit, Town of Beloit, Town of Turtle, South Beloit and the Shopiere area.
See the Heritage Trees Map and Learn more about how to measure your tree at this link https://beloitheritagedays.com/heritagetrees/
This Bur oak stands just 750 feet from Turtle Creek and is estimated to be over 400 years old!
Beloit Heritage Tree Criteria
- Anyone can submit a tree for consideration, but it should be estimated to be at least 100 years old using the method below.
- The general area for this encompasses Beloit, Town of Beloit, Town of Turtle, South Beloit and the Shopiere area.
- Only trees on public land and terraces will be made public and placed on a Google custom map (see map below)
- Trees on private land can be acknowledged but won’t be placed on the map or have the address posted publicly.
- The coordinator of Beloit Heritage Days will review, verify and confirm submissions before adding them to an online interactive map.
- This program is not a competition; all submitted trees that are of significant age (100+ years) will be placed the map.
Method to estimate the age of a tree
We will be using the Diameter × Growth Factor Method to estimate the age of Beloit Heritage Trees. We will not be using tree height for this method.
Different tree species exhibit various growth rates, making it crucial to identify the type of tree you want to assess. Some species grow faster, while hardwoods like oaks and maples generally have slower growth rates.
Click here to download Beloit Heritage Tree Program Details and Measuring Guide
- Identify the tree species by researching the leaf or bark. Different species of oak and maple have different growth factors, so identify which specific one if possible. Click here to download “Wisconsin Urban Tree Key Guide” to help identify a tree by its leaves.
- Using a measuring tape, (or a string that you later measure), wrap the measuring tool around the tree to measure the tree’s circumference at 4.5 feet above ground (breast height). Take notice of any vines growing up the tree trunk and ensure it is not poison ivy before measuring the tree.
- Convert your measurement to diameter by using this formula: Circumference ÷ 3.14 = Diameter. This measurement is called “diameter at breast height” (dbh).
- Estimate the tree’s age by multiplying the diameter by the species’ growth factor using the chart below: Diameter × Growth Factor = Approximate Age.
- Take notes on your tree’s diameter, species and note the location of the tree. Be prepared to give landmarks, street names or intersections for reporting purposes.
- If your tree is estimated to be at least 100 years old using the method below, submit your findings on this page of the Beloit Heritage Days website.
- Your name will only be used on your listing if you approve.
- You may submit a photo of the tree, but it is not necessary.
- Do not enter private land to measure trees.
- You assume all risks involved with this activity.
Learn more about how to measure your tree at this link https://beloitheritagedays.com/heritagetrees/
