A Terminal Diagnosis for Westwood’s “Kissing Tree”: Can This Civil War-Era Icon Be Saved?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, In the heart of downtown Westwood, a legendary resident is fighting for its life. The iconic Kissing Tree—a towering copper beech that has stood as a silent witness to centuries of romance—has received a terminal diagnosis.
But Westwood isn’t ready to say goodbye. This Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026, the community will gather at Veterans Park to “share the love” with the tree that has defined local lore since the Civil War.
A Legacy Under Threat: The “Brittle Cinder” Diagnosis
Standing nearly 70 feet tall and estimated to be between 168 and 252 years old, the Kissing Tree was officially recognized as a New Jersey Champion Tree just last year. However, the celebration was short-lived. In June, experts discovered the tree had contracted Kretzschmaria deusta, or brittle cinder fungus.
This aggressive pathogen attacks the root system and lower trunk, causing “soft rot” that makes massive trees structurally unstable. Currently, there is no known cure.
“We’ve had an outpouring of support,” says Councilwoman Erin Collins. “Tree professionals from all over have reached out with potential experimental treatments. We are exploring every ‘Hail Mary’ option to save this piece of our history.”
Valentine’s Day Photo Event: How to Join
For the second year in a row, the borough is hosting a special photoshoot to commemorate the tree’s romantic legacy.
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When: February 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
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Where: Veterans Park, Downtown Westwood.
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The Experience: Local photographer Richard Frant will be providing free professional photos for couples and families under the tree’s sprawling canopy.
Note: While all formal time slots are currently booked, residents are encouraged to join the waiting list by emailing [email protected].
The Legend of the Kissing Tree
Why is this tree so beloved? Local history suggests its roots go back to a Civil War soldier who planted a sapling upon his return home. Over the decades, it became the go-to spot for young love.
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Class of 1943: Members of this Westwood High School class famously confirmed that sharing a “first kiss” under the tree was a rite of passage.
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Living Monument: Its unique, umbrella-like branches create a natural, secluded “room” that has sheltered generations of whispered promises.
Saving the Legacy: Seedlings and Scions
Recognizing that the tree may eventually have to be removed for safety—potentially as early as 2027—the Shade Tree Advisory Committee is already working on a plan for the future.
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Seedling Collection: Volunteers have gathered beech-nut seedlings to be planted throughout the borough, ensuring the “children” of the Kissing Tree live on.
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Memorialization: Borough officials are consulting with arborists like Todd Mastrobuoni (The Tree MD) and Elizabeth Stewart to evaluate structural supports that might extend the tree’s life through 2026.
“The sound of the saw must eventually be known by the tree,” noted one local historian, but for now, Westwood is focused on making every holiday count.
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Sure, tear it down like the historic sycamore at Graydon.
Send our Council over. It will be a rotting stump in 24 hours and a nail salon in a month.