Norcross Elm Training Diligently for Tree Championship


Visitors to Betty Mauldin park in Norcross have no doubt noticed the large elm that blankets much of the grounds, but how many are aware the tree is actively training for the National Tree Championship? That's right, dearest DG readers, not only is there a National Tree Championship, but the winner might just be right here in Gwinnett.


If you're new to the Champion Tree fanbase you can head over to the National Champion Tree Program or American Forests for a quick refresher, but we're sure the question on every die-hard Gwinnetian tree fan's mind is, "What are the chances our Betty Mauldin elm brings home the trophy?"

And that, DG faithful, is where the plot thickens, because the Betty Mauldin elm is at the center of what could be a brewing champion tree controversy. 


Seen above, the Norcross website clearly claims that the Betty Mauldin elm is the biggest in Georgia.

However, according to exploregeorgia.org, the Betty Mauldin elm is the second tallest in the state.


As seen above, there are only two Georgia elms in the state championship playoffs. The Betty Mauldin elm clearly has a thicker circumference, but an Atlanta elm is at least eleven feet taller. So who will bring home the title? We dropped by Betty Mauldin park for an exclusive interview with our potential champion.

Daily Gwinnetian: I'd just like to say thanks for taking some time out of your schedule to give our readers the opportunity to find out how this season is going for you.

Betty Mauldin Elm: Not a problem at all, glad you stopped by. Beautiful day today.

DG: It is. Nice and shady down here though, thanks to you. So what can Gwinnetians expect to see in this year's elm tree championship?

BME: Honestly, it's going to be close. They've got a talented tree down there in Atlanta, definite height advantage. At this stage in my career, I'm not going to put on fifteen or twenty feet, so it's more about trunk bulking and canopy spread.

DG: What's your daily training regimen looking like?

BME: Plenty of photosynthesis of course, gotta keep that carbon dioxide intake as high as possible, and some pretty intense root work to get those nutrients up out of the deeper soil. Sometimes people like to climb in my branches. The park officials hate it, but it's a pretty good workout.

DG: Sounds exhausting. Do you ever get confused for those talking trees in the Lord of the Rings movies?

BME: The Ents? All the time. Somebody is always coming over to ask for an autograph. I used to try explaining that I'm not an Ent, but nowadays I find it's easier just to sign the autograph and get back to training.

DG: There's some uncertainty about what criteria will be used to crown the winner. Do you think the judges are going to favor height or circumference?

BME: That's out of my control, so I just focus on being in the best shape possible. Hey, that dog is about to pee on my trunk, can you shoo it off?

DG: Not a problem. Good luck with your training, we're hoping for gold!

With that, we chased off the dog and concluded the interview. Who will emerge victorious in the National Tree Championship? Only time will tell, but as always, we'll keep you posted. 

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