NJ Community Rallies to Save Beloved 250-Year-Old 'Kissing Tree' from Terminal Disease

The Beloved 'Kissing Tree'

• 🌳 A rare copper beech tree in Westwood, New Jersey, affectionately known as the 'Kissing Tree,' is estimated to be between 168 and 252 years old.
• 💖 The tree holds significant local importance, with a romantic lore dating back to the 1940s about high school students sharing their first kiss beneath its branches.
• ✍️ Its bark is marked with initials, symbolizing enduring romance and making it a popular spot for celebrations like Valentine's Day.

Battling a Terminal Disease

• ⚠️ Six months ago, the tree was diagnosed with a brittle cider fungus, a terminal disease that significantly reduces its chances of survival.
• 🔬 The fungus was discovered during an annual inspection, and its spores are known to remain in the soil, posing a challenge for future planting.
• 📏 The majestic tree stands 65 feet tall and measures 173 inches in circumference at its base.

Community Efforts and Future Hopes

• 🤝 Despite the grim prognosis, residents of Westwood are actively working to save the tree.
• 🌱 Efforts include collecting seeds from the tree to plant in new locations, as the current soil may be contaminated by the fungus.
• 📜 The tree has been recognized for its age and significance, being designated as one of the oldest in the state and considered for the national and state registers.
• 🗓️ While the hope is for the tree to survive through the next holiday season, it is most likely slated for removal in 2027.