In 2004, Guilford County's Treasure Tree Program recognized the largest, rarest, oldest, and otherwise important tree species. The purpose of the program is to increase the public awareness of these valuable and irreplaceable trees, increase tree owners' awareness of the importance of trees, and to encourage continued stewardship. The program is also designed to help protect all trees from indiscriminate removal or damage due to development and urbanization, and to stimulate awareness of the diversity, sensitivity and the importance of the tree canopy and roots.

Criteria Trees designated as treasure trees were:

• The most significant tree of their species. Size was determined by height, average crown spread, and circumference (at 4.5 feet) as set by the National Register of Big Trees.
• Of historic, environmental or otherwise significant value.
• Of a species, variety or cultivars proved to be relatively long-lived and adapted to our geographic region.
• Of such health and condition, as judged by the Treasure Tree Committee, to have a reasonable prospect of continuing useful life.
• Located on either public or private property within Guilford County.

Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Guilford County NC Cooperative Extension Jr. Master Gardeners Urban Forestry Committee of Greensboro Beautiful An Urban and Community Forestry Grant from the NC Division of Forest Resources, DENR, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, Southern Region.