Tears Flow As 600-Year-Old NJ Tree Is Being Cut Down

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Residents looked on in horror and sadness as one by one the branches of the 600-year-old mighty oak tree in Basking Ridge was taken down on Monday morning. "That's so sad." "That's horrible." "It's heartbreaking."

One local even cringed as she heard the cracking of the branches. She noted it's like the cracking of the bones of a living thing.

Those were the statements from onlookers at the scene in front of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church on East Oak Street.

The tree is possibly the oldest white oak tree in the country and drew attention from the local residents and several media outlets. Large pieces of equipment were needed to begin the process of taking it down.

Loggers had to be hoisted up into the air high above the tree to secure loose branches and begin cutting. Each branch was then carefully lowered to the ground to be broken up on East Oak Street. This method was done to preserve the historical gravestones located under the tree.

Watch as a logger is hoisted into the air:

The tree had to be taken down since it died over the summer in 2016 despite efforts of the church to preserve it.

• See Related: Basking Ridge's 600 Year Old Ancient Tree Has Died

The Torcivia family has lived down the street from the tree for 15 years. On April 24 they walked together to witness as it was dismantled.

"Just look at it," Maryann Torcivia said as tears built up in her eyes. "It's the miracle in our midst is what it is. No living thing is expected to live a life span like that. It gives you a different concept of time. It's heartbreaking."

"When you Google Basking Ridge the first image that comes up is the tree," David Torcivia said. "It's a pretty big identity for Basking Ridge. It's like the old lady."

"We have never took it for granted and always looked at it... It's been a part of our life for as long as we can remember. It's heartbreaking," Maryann said.

The Forsberg's have lived in Basking Ridge for 35 years and also have a special attachment to the tree.

"We were married in front of this tree 33 years ago," Jackie Forsberg said as she watched while sitting on some grass across the street with her dog. "We got married in the church and took a lot of pictures out in front of the tree. The tree was beautiful then. Nothing lasts as long as 600 years in this world."

Keiling Tree Care will continue cutting the tree down throughout Monday and had plans to continue Tuesday. That may change due to rain. East Oak Street continues to be closed for the rest of the week between Finley Avenue and Maple Avenue for the tree removal. More streets may be closed off by police depending on the number of spectators that show up.

(Photos and video by Alexis Tarrazi)

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