GoKawiilLiDAR survey flags possible taller trees than NYC's Queens Giant record
A hobbyist analysis using 2021 airborne LiDAR data from The Nature Conservancy, the University of Vermont, and New York State GIS has identified several tree candidates in New York City that may rival or exceed the height of the Queens Giant, last officially measured in 2004 at 133.8 feet. The analysis, which also draws on 2013-14 survey data and recent aerial imagery, suggests the city's parks department should revisit tree measurements using modern tools.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The Queens Giant's record has stood unchallenged for over two decades, meaning the city's official record of its tallest tree could be outdated given newer remote-sensing technology like LiDAR. This suggests municipal natural-heritage records more broadly may lag behind available geospatial data, and that citizen or independent analysis could prompt official re-verification of long-standing environmental benchmarks.
- The Queens Giant was last measured in 2004 at 133.8 feet, using ground-based methods.
- New analysis using 2021 LiDAR canopy data suggests other NYC trees may be as tall or taller.
- The author calls for the city's parks department to formally remeasure candidate trees.
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See Nikon Forestry Pro II Laser Rangefinder on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: blog.willmeye.rs, 2026-10-03
Published there as: “New York City should carefully measure a new tree”
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