Southeast Missouri still has biggest trees

When you try to think of what Southeast Missouri must have looked like before European settlers began clearing fields and building homes and businesses, one thing that comes to mind is forests full of immense trees. Some of those trees are still around, and four state record holders have been added to an already lengthy list of big trees.

The newest additions to the state record holders are in a grove of giant trees near Silva, Mo., which is in Wayne County just to the west of Bollinger County. The additions are a northern red oak, a sugar maple, a bitternut hickory and a shellbark hickory.

These latest record holders to be identified are in good company. Cape Girardeau County has the most record-holding trees (15) of any of Missouri's counties, and Mississippi County has nine record holders.

For those of you who enjoy the outdoors and spend time in the woods, take a look at some of the large trees. You may spot another record holder.