A (100-Year-Old) Tree Is Felled In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — When the European beech tree in Toms River's Town Hall courtyard was first planted, the United States (and the world) was recovering from World War I, Toms River's only high school was just a few years old, and few of its current residents were alive.

In the years since, the tree has seen love and war, prosperity and want; it's supported climbing kids and been a quiet spot for a summer lunch, and recorded the love of couples in its bark.

On Tuesday, age and disease finally caught up with the majestic 47-foot tree that filled the space between the municipal offices and the Ocean County Library, forcing it to be removed. It was about 100 years old, officials said.

"The tree has been a remarkable gift to us," Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher said. "We’ve been blessed to have it here in our courtyard for nearly 100 years. Couples have carved their names in the tree and visitors and residents alike have undoubtedly spent time beneath its branches for shade. Employees enjoyed eating below it during lunchtime. I am sad to see it go."

But the tree had become a danger, officials said. A report by a New Jersey-licensed tree expert from Aspen Tree Expert Co. said there were a number of issues.

First, heavy foot traffic and lawn mower usage in the root zone of tree had caused significant soil compaction, which beech trees are extremely sensitive to, along with an increase in carpenter ant activity near the base. The tree also showed signs of bleeding cankers, most likely the result of root rot.

The risk, the company said, was of a failure of the limbs, which could endanger those beneath them if they fell unexpectedly.

Kelaher said he would like see the town plant another one or possibly several in its place.

"We are in the process of discussing ideas for replacing the tree and what we would like to see in the courtyard for the future," he said.

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Photos by Toms River Township