The 70-foot Copper Beech survived the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution, but a deadly fungus may finally bring it down
the staff of nthe Ridgewood blog
WESTWOOD, NJ – A somber cloud has settled over downtown Westwood as borough officials reveal a heartbreaking diagnosis for the town’s most famous resident: the Kissing Tree.
The massive copper beech, a local landmark that has stood for nearly two centuries, has been diagnosed with a terminal case of brittle cinder fungus. While the news is devastating, Westwood leaders aren’t ready to say goodbye just yet, launching a “hail mary” search for a miracle cure to save the historic giant.
The “Champion” Facing a Deadly Foe
The Kissing Tree isn’t just a local favorite; it’s a state treasure. Just last year, the tree—estimated to be between 168 and 252 years old—was designated a New Jersey Champion Tree and inducted into the NJDEP’s Big and Heritage Tree program.
However, in June, an arborist from Bartlett Tree Experts discovered a mushroom at the base of the trunk. Samples confirmed the presence of Kretzschmaria deusta, commonly known as brittle cinder fungus.
Why it’s so dangerous:
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Root & Trunk Decay: The pathogen attacks the lower trunk and root system, essentially hollowing out the tree’s structural support.
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No Known Cure: Traditionally, there are no remedial treatments for this disease in urban forestry.
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Rapid Progression: A follow-up inspection this fall showed the fungal area is expanding.
Is There a “Miracle” Treatment?
Westwood Mayor Raymond Arroyo and the Shade Tree Committee have consulted with experts from Rutgers University, who confirmed that managing beech trees in New Jersey is an uphill battle due to additional stressors like beech bark and leaf diseases.
However, the town refuses to abandon hope. Mayor Arroyo and Councilwoman Erin Collins are hoping that by going public, they might attract the attention of experimental horticulturalists or researchers with novel, untested treatments that could stall the decay.
“We hope that with all the wonderful publicity, someone will come out of the woodwork… to save our tree,” said Councilwoman Collins.
What Happens Next?
For now, the tree is under a “watch and wait” protocol:
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Risk Monitoring: The tree currently holds a “2” on a 5-point risk scale, meaning complete failure is not yet imminent.
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Structural Supports: Officials are looking into propping the tree with steel rods and braces to keep it standing as long as possible.
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Monthly Checkups: Arborists will perform monthly inspections to track the fungus’s movement.
A Legacy to Celebrate
Regardless of the outcome, the Shade Tree Committee is already planning how to memorialize the tree’s legacy. Whether through clones, seeds, or a public memorial, the Kissing Tree’s impact on Westwood’s history is permanent.
“It was one of our saddest meetings,” said Dan Zambrano, chair of the Shade Tree Committee. “Now we are tasked with how we educate, celebrate, and memorialize the legacy of the Kissing Tree.”
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