Storm Damages Maryland's Biggest Tree

ELKTON, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's biggest tree has lost its top ranking after being damaged in a storm last week.

The Department of Natural Resources says the Eder Park silver maple in Elkton lost the larger of two main sections splitting off its huge trunk. An inspection following the storm found the trunk is mostly rotten and hollow with only a few inches of living wood that had been supporting the fallen section.

The tree was named the state's largest in 2006. DNR officials say measurements this April showed it was tied for the nation's largest silver maple.

The department says two other trees are now considered Maryland co-champions, an American sycamore in the C&O Canal National Historical Park in Montgomery County and an American sycamore on private property in Frederick County.

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