Survey data of 71,578 ancient and notable trees across 183 counties in Sichuan Province, China (2016–2023)

This dataset presents the results of a systematic inventory of ancient and notable trees conducted in Sichuan Province, China, between May 2016 and March 2023. The dataset contains 71,578 individual tree records, each documented across 24 standardised indicators derived from the Chinese national standard LY/T 2738-2016. These indicators: tree ID, address, species, coordinates, tree category, grade, age, height, girth, crown width, growth site, distribution pattern, elevation, aspect, slope, slope position, soil type, growth vigour, growth environment, factors affecting growing environment, historical and cultural description, protection status, maintenance measures. The data cover 21 cities/prefectures and all 183 county-level units within 97°21′–108°31′E, 26°03′–34°19′N.Interpretation requires three considerations. First, tree ages were estimated using multiple methods (literature, regression, increment borer, interviews); only increment borer data provide exact ages. Second, precise coordinates are withheld due to Chinese legal restrictions; declassified data are available upon request. Third, ecological function indicators are not included as they are not required by the national standard. Researchers can use this dataset as a benchmark for regional comparisons, a baseline for longitudinal studies, for analysing tree-environment-human interactions, and for validating remote sensing models. The dataset includes a blank survey form, raw data table , and summary statistics file.