Trees in the Big Tree Registry of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are measured by circumference (in inches), height and crown spread. Below are the DNR's guidelines for measurement.

Find a tall stick. That and one good eye are all the tools you’ll need. With the stick in hand, walk exactly 11 paces from the base of the tree and mark the spot by driving the stick into the ground.

A person can measure their height at home by using an object, such as a pencil, to mark a wall and measure the distance. However, it is often easier to measure height with help from another person.

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