WESTWOOD—There flourishes a tree in Veterans Park that has seen more kisses than your average mistletoe, and it just notched a major accolade. Known affectionately as “The Kissing Tree,” this enormous European Copper Beech has officially snagged Champion & Heritage Tree status from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). It’s the first tree in the borough to make it onto the prestigious NJ Big and Heritage Tree map—and it’s got the stats to back it up.
Celebrating Love Under the Kissing Tree
Westwood’s giving this tree the Valentine’s Day treatment it deserves. On Feb. 14, residents can stop by Veterans Park for free photo ops with their loved ones under The Kissing Tree’s sprawling canopy. The event, Capture the Love Under the Historic Kissing Tree, honors the tree at 4:15 p.m., and mini photo sessions start at 4:30. Limited slots are available via online registration.
Rooted in Romance and History
The Kissing Tree’s history is as sprawling as its canopy. While Copper Beech trees are not native to the Northeast, this one has stood in Veterans Park for many generations. Historical accounts and local lore suggest a romantic and storied past for this tree.
One prominent theory, recounted by Leigh Hopper of the Westwood Heritage Society, in the minutes of the borough’s Shade Tree Committee, ties the tree to a Civil War veteran. Hopper recalls his father saying the tree was brought to Westwood as a sapling by a returning soldier and planted in what was then private property owned by Genest Ottignon, another Civil War veteran. Another sapling from the same source was reportedly planted near the Van Ryper farm. This story, though unverifiable, aligns with the tree’s estimated age and the fact that Copper Beeches were often imported to the region during the 19th century.
Further cementing its lore, members of Westwood High School’s Class of 1943 fondly recalled sharing their first kisses under its branches, dubbing it “The Kissing Tree.” Helen Whalen of the Westwood Heritage Society noted that the tree became a well-known romantic landmark among generations of students. Its secluded umbrella-like canopy provided the perfect backdrop for youthful romance.
Jim Gines, also of the Heritage Society, delved deeper into the tree’s story and its connection to Frederick P. Van Riper. According to Gines, Van Riper brought the tree back to Westwood in 1865 after his service in the Civil War. He planted one sapling near the Van Riper farm and the other at the site where Veterans Park now stands. These accounts, supported by historical texts like “Pascack Tales II” (Pascack Historical Society might have additional copies), highlight the tree’s significance not just as a natural wonder but as a symbol of Westwood’s past.
Modern science adds another layer to the story. An NJDEP examination in 2024 estimated the tree’s age at around 232 years, suggesting it predates the Civil War. Borough Arborist Bill Murtaugh estimated in 2021 that the tree was at least 140 years old, further complicating the timeline. While the exact origin remains unclear, the tree’s legacy as a romantic and historic landmark is undisputed.
And its stats are impressive:
- Species: European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
- Circumference (at 4.5 feet from ground): 15’-2”
- Height: 65 feet
- Diameter: 58 inches
- Average Crown Spread: 94 feet
- Points (American Forests National System): 271
- Condition: Good
The tree’s Champion & Heritage Tree status reflects its unique combination of size and story. It is officially recognized as a Champion Tree for being the largest European Beech of its kind in New Jersey. At the same time, it ranks as the 11th largest European Beech overall in the state based on points calculated from its height, circumference, and crown spread.
In New Jersey, trees are classified by the NJ Forest Service into several categories:
- Champion Tree: The biggest tree of its species in New Jersey.
- Heritage Tree: A tree with a story of historic significance associated with it.
- Heritage Champion: The biggest tree of its species in New Jersey that also has a story of historic significance.
- Signature Tree: A runner-up tree ranked by size.
The Kissing Tree’s dual designation as a Champion and Heritage Tree highlights both its physical prominence and its deep historical roots. This recognition was made possible largely due to Gines, of the Westwood Heritage Society. Gines meticulously researched and shared the tree’s lore, including its connection to a returning Civil War veteran and its romantic nickname. His work was instrumental in meeting the NJDEP’s criteria for Heritage Tree status, ensuring that the tree’s legacy is preserved for generations to come.
The Man Behind the Tree’s Recognition
Dan Zambrano, Westwood’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year, has played a huge role in bringing The Kissing Tree’s significance to light. As chair of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee since 2022, he’s been on a mission to preserve Westwood’s natural beauty.
It’s no small feat that under his leadership, The Kissing Tree secured its Heritage Tree classification. And that’s just one piece of his environmental advocacy. This year, the Shade Tree Committee is rolling out a borough-wide tree inventory to catalog every street tree—type, size, condition, and all—using the Davey Tree Keeper system. The goal? To keep Westwood’s tree canopy thriving for generations to come.
Reflecting on the honor, Zambrano posted, “Had no idea I was the recipient of Westwood’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year — literally had to do a double-take sitting next to Jenna Kronenberg at tonight’s reorg meeting.” He also made sure to thank the borough’s leadership and added a nod to Dr. Seuss: “As the Lorax said, ‘Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.’ This community cares a lot.”
Zambrano’s reputation extend beyond the borough. In December 2024, he was honored as a Fifth District Hometown Hero by Rep. Josh Gottheimer for his environmental work.
Mayor Ray Arroyo highlighted Zambrano’s efforts during the Volunteer of the Year award presentation: “With Dan’s efforts, the Shade Tree Committee has increased engagement with residents to plan the planting of numerous trees to help the tree canopy thrive in the Borough.”
Zambrano’s social media videos on storm drain clearing and proper tree planting techniques have become a resource for residents. It’s all part of his mission to make environmental stewardship accessible and engaging.
As Zambrano says, “The Kissing Tree is more than a tree. It’s a reminder of our roots and the connections we share.” And now, thanks to his efforts—and the meticulous research by Jim Gines—this leafy legend is getting the recognition and protection it deserves.