In a recent development, Ridgewood has nominated a colossal Sugar Maple tree to be included in the official New Jersey Big and Heritage Tree Registry. Located at 460 W Saddle River Rd., on the right side of a residential property, this majestic Acer saccharum stands as a towering testament to the natural beauty that can be found throughout New Jersey.
Standing at an impressive 100 feet with an average crown spread of 124 feet, this tree boasts a circumference of 12 feet and 5 inches (149 inches) at 4.5 feet from the ground. According to the American Forests National System, it garners an impressive 280 points for its size and stature. Experts have deemed the tree to be in good condition, earning it the prestigious status of a Signature Tree.
This towering Sugar Maple is no ordinary specimen, as it holds the distinction of being the largest of its kind in Bergen County. Beyond Bergen County, it ranks as the 5th largest Sugar Maple in the entire state of New Jersey among the nine that are listed in the registry.
The Tallest Tree in New Jersey
The tallest tree in New Jersey is actually a tie between a Burlington County sweetgum and a Mercer County white oak. The former is a Liquidambar styraciflua—more commonly known as a sweetgum—located at 357 Fort Dix Rd. in Pemberton, NJ, while the latter is a Quercus alba—also known as a white oak—located in Hamilton, NJ. Both trees stand at a staggering 132 feet high.
The New Jersey Big and Heritage Tree Registry, a repository dating back to the 1930s, serves to document and preserve significant trees across the state, showcasing their historical and ecological value. The rigorous evaluation process has led to the inclusion of this awe-inspiring tree in the registry, alongside the submission of comprehensive statistics, photographs, and precise location details. It is expected to be officially added to the registry during the next database update.
Remarkably, trees of this magnitude offer immense environmental benefits, equivalent to 600 typical trees. To safeguard this natural wonder, the Village of Ridgewood recommends considering the installation of a lightning protection system, given the vulnerability of large trees to lightning strikes.
As this historic Sugar Maple takes its place in the annals of New Jersey’s arboreal heritage, it stands as a symbol of nature’s enduring beauty and a testament to the importance of preserving these invaluable resources for generations to come.
For guidance on maintaining and preserving such majestic trees, interested parties can seek information and technical assistance from the New Jersey Forest Service.
For inquiries or assistance, please reach out to the Big and Heritage Tree Program at (609) 292-2532.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
