Ancient Basking Ridge Tree To Be Trimmed, Preparations Being Made For Removal

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The 600-year-old ancient oak tree in Basking Ridge is not being cut down yet. But Keiling Tree Trucks will be working on it on Thursday.

"They are pruning back some of the dead branches for safety reasons. THE TREE IS NOT COMING DOWN," The Historical Society of Somerset Hills announced.

The tree has been in bad shape the past couple of years and the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church Trustees have worked tirelessly to save it.

Unfortunately, it is believed the summer heat and storms are what took down the mighty oak.

Samples and tests of the tree concluded the tree has declined to the point where the best hope is for the lower trunk to make sprouts next year, trustees reported.

Honor and Preserve History of Tree:

As a result trustees are looking to honor and preserve the history of the tree, address the needs of the present, craft and implement plans for the future.

To fullfill these goals, the church has formed a joint Oak Tree Task Force which will be an active collaborative group.

Challenges to be addressed will include planning and management of the removal of the tree, evaluation and pursuit of the various opportunities for what we will do with the wood from the tree and what we will do with that space once the tree is removed, identification of financial resources to fulfill the plans and communication and collaboration with Session, Trustees, 300th Committee, Congregation, and the Community.

Members from the congregation with an interest in becoming involved in any manner are encouraged to contact Dennis Jones, or Bill Emmitt at [email protected], or Jon Klippel at [email protected].

(Photo via Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church)

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