Search Still on For Holiday Tree in Basking Ridge

With a target date of Nov. 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, to set up the annual holiday tree in downtown Basking Ridge, the Basking Ridge Fire Co. continues to search for a prime candidate.

So far, the trees that have been offered for donations as the annual tree have been too small, not the right shape — or one was perhaps big enough to grace Rockefeller Center in New York, said Todd Middleton, in charge of tracking down a tree for removal and relocation at the square in the middle of Basking Ridge center.

A recent year's tree came from Bernardsville, and the fire department also has in the past traveled to Millington or down into the Liberty Corner section of the township, Middleton said.

Every year the fire company accepts a tree donated by a local resident, preferably about 25 feet high.

The fire company volunteers cut the tree down and place it on the small green in front of The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge. Firefighters and volunteers also decorate the tree for the holidays, relying on fire equipment to reach the top. 

Last year, the fire company had a main choice, and a backup, by the end of October, but Superstorm Sandy destroyed those trees, and the search began again for a new tree not destroyed or too damaged in the storm. The tree eventually selected had some evidence of storm damage. 

Even this year, Middleton said that the storms of the last two years, very damaging to local trees, have taken a toll on the number of large, round evergreens that can serve as the holiday tree.

Where to call with a potential donation

Residents who have a tree to donate can contact Todd Middleton, committee chairman, at: Repair@brfco.com, or call him at 908-400-4692.

The Fire Company will arrive to down the tree, clean up afterward, and transport the tree away, all within a few hours' time.