Best in the Bark | Downtown Greens

Best in the Bark: Fredericksburg Edition

Downtown Greens is searching for the best, the most beautiful, the most unique, or the most storied tree in the Fredericksburg region! Local residents are invited to submit a tree that can be found in the City of Fredericksburg or the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, or Caroline to be considered for the Best in the Bark contest. See a list of FAQs about the contest below.

Submit your entry here. View the Best in the Bark entries here.

What you'll need to complete the submission form: your name, email address, and phone number, at least one photo of the tree, the address where the tree can be found (this will not be made public, it is for Downtown Greens' use only), a short description of what makes your tree special, the type of tree. If you don't know what type it is, try https://www.inaturalist.org/ for help identifying it. Please note: you will have to create an free account on iNaturalist in order to be able to access the tree identification option.

We value your privacy. None of the personal contact information you submit for the contest will be made public.

By submitting an entry to the contest, the winner agrees to allow Downtown Greens to use their name and likeness for promotional purposes. The photos of the trees submitted for the contest will become the property of Downtown Greens and will be used on our website and social media channels as part of the contest for voting and promotional purposes.

The link for voting will be posted when voting opens on November 16.

Best in the Bark: Fredericksburg Edition - FAQs

What is the Best in the Bark: Fredericksburg Edition?
Best in the Bark is a community-wide competition sponsored by Downtown Greens that celebrates the beauty, character, and importance of trees in the Fredericksburg region. We’re inviting residents to share photos of their favorite local trees and tell us what makes them special. Then, the community will vote to choose Fredericksburg’s Best in the Bark!

Who can participate in the competition?
Anyone who wants to celebrate a favorite tree in the Fredericksburg region is encouraged to participate! You do not need to live in the Fredericksburg region to submit, but eligible trees MUST be located in the City of Fredericksburg or one of the following counties: Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline, or King George.

What kinds of trees are eligible?
All kinds of trees are welcome! Your entry might feature a towering neighborhood landmark, a colorful fall favorite, a historic tree, a beautiful backyard tree, or a tree with a special story. We want to see the trees that make our region unique.

How do I enter the competition?
Submit a photo of your favorite eligible tree using the online submission form linked below. You’ll also be asked to briefly explain why you think your tree deserves to be named Best in the Bark.
Enter your tree in the contest here!

When can I submit my tree?
Entries will be accepted from October 15 through November 15. Be sure to submit your entry before the deadline.

What should I include with my submission?
Please include a photo(s) of your favorite tree and a short explanation of why you think it deserves to be named Best in the Bark. Tell us what makes your tree stand out, whether its beauty, history, size, wildlife value, or personal significance make it your Best in the Bark.

Can I submit a tree on someone else’s property?
You’re welcome to celebrate a tree that you love, whether it’s in your neighborhood, along a public street, or on private property. Please respect the privacy and property boundaries of others and obtain permission before entering private property or photographing a tree where permission is needed.

Can I submit more than one tree?
We encourage you to share the trees you love! There is no limit on the number of entries you can submit, but you must submit separate entries for each tree.

What happens if the same tree is submitted more than once?
If the same tree is submitted by more than one person, the first submission will be the one to go through to voting.

Do I need to own the tree I submit?
No. The competition is about celebrating the trees that make our region special. Your favorite tree could be in your backyard, along your street, in your neighborhood, or somewhere else in the eligible area. Please respect the privacy and property boundaries of others and obtain permission before entering private property or photographing a tree where permission is needed.

How will the winner be chosen?
After the submission period closes, the community will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree. Public voting will take place from November 16 through December 15. The tree receiving the most votes, according to the competition’s voting rules, will be named Best in the Bark.

How do I vote?
A voting link will be available here on the Downtown Greens Best in the Bark webpage when voting opens on November 16.

Can I share my submission and ask others to vote for my tree?
Absolutely! We encourage participants to share their entries with friends, family, and neighbors and invite the community to vote. Help spread the word and celebrate the trees that make our region special!

When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced on December 18. Check the Downtown Greens website and social media for the announcement.

What does the winner receive?
At a ceremony in January, the winning tree will receive a commemorative plaque to display near the tree, letting everyone know that its bark is the best! The winning entrant will also receive some Downtown Greens swag!

Why is Downtown Greens hosting this competition?
Downtown Greens is dedicated to connecting people with nature through education and the preservation of greenspaces. Trees support healthy ecosystems by providing food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, insects, and other wildlife. This competition is a fun way to celebrate the trees we love and recognize the important role they play in our neighborhoods and community.

Have a favorite tree? We can't wait to see it! 🌳

Check back for competition updates.