photo courtesy of Pascack Historical Society
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Westwood NJ, For over 150 years, the Westwood Kissing Tree has been a symbol of love, romance, and history, towering over couples who have shared their first kiss beneath its sprawling branches. This Valentine’s Day, the legendary tree is getting a tribute of its own.
A Historic Honor for the Kissing Tree
The 70-foot-tall copper beech, located in downtown Westwood, NJ, was recently recognized as a Champion Tree by the state, placing it among New Jersey’s tallest and most significant trees. It was also officially added to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Big and Heritage Tree Program, which maps and celebrates notable trees across the Garden State.
To commemorate this honor, the borough will unveil a plaque on Friday, February 14, at 4:15 p.m., marking the tree’s historical significance. The event will also include a photo session for couples, families, and even pets, led by local photographer Richard Frant.
The Legacy of the Kissing Tree
The tree, a copper beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’), is an ornamental variety of the European beech. According to arborist Elizabeth Stewart, European settlers brought this species to the region in the mid-1700s.
While its exact age remains unknown, estimates based on its diameter and growth rate place the Kissing Tree between 168 and 252 years old. Its historical significance and excellent health made it an ideal candidate for the Big and Heritage Tree program.
How Did the Kissing Tree Get Its Name?
The origins of the Kissing Tree’s name remain uncertain, but local lore offers a few possibilities:
🌳 A Civil War soldier is said to have planted the tree upon returning home, where generations of couples later shared their first kiss beneath its branches.
🌳 According to James Gines of the Westwood Heritage Society, members of Westwood High School’s Class of 1943 confirmed that many of them kissed under the tree during their youth.
Westwood Residents Celebrate the Kissing Tree
The event has garnered overwhelming interest, with all available photo slots fully booked. A total of 28 adults, 21 children, and 2 dogs have registered for a chance to have their special moment captured under the tree.
Westwood Council Member Erin Collins, a liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Committee, emphasized the importance of tree stewardship and how this event brings awareness to preserving Westwood’s natural heritage.
“This tree is so important to the fabric of Westwood,” Collins said. “The Valentine’s Day photoshoot is a great way to engage the community and encourage future conservation efforts.”
What’s Next for Westwood’s Trees?
The Westwood Shade Tree Advisory Committee is planning a borough-wide street tree inventory in 2025. The survey will record:
✔️ Existing trees by type, size, and condition
✔️ Availability of planting spaces along borough streets
✔️ Locations of utility wires affecting tree growth
“This data will give us a clear snapshot of our borough’s tree canopy,” said Dan Zambrano, chair of the advisory committee. “It will help us plan for future plantings and maintain the health of our urban forest.”
A Rare and Lasting Treasure
The Westwood Kissing Tree once had a sibling tree planted in Woodcliff Lake, but that tree was eventually removed—making Westwood’s European beech even more special.
“This makes our Kissing Tree even more significant,” Zambrano said. “That it still stands today is a testament to its strength and our community’s commitment to preserving history.”
🌿 Whether it’s for romance, history, or conservation, the Westwood Kissing Tree continues to be a beloved landmark for generations to come.
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Where can I find the Pissing Tree?
Ask that dude on here who’s always going on about his 15 oak trees. He’s got one to spare for a pee tree.
The historic Graydon sycamore could have been a Champion Tree. But the town knocked it down.
That other gorgeous old tree that provided a large swath of welcome shade on the sand near the Graydon playground is gone, too.
Neither was going to fall on anybody and lead to lawsuits.
Good thing it’s nowhere near Schedler