N.J. town closes library to cut down 100-year-old white oak tree

Tree was threatening to fall on the library after it split in half during a recent storm.

WATCHUNG -- The Somerset County Library System's Watchung branch was closed Wednesday for the removal of a more than 100-year-old giant white oak tree that was threatening to fall on the structure.

As the tree was removed, with the help of a crane to keep it from falling on the library, the Beekeepers Association of Rutgers University was on the scene to help with the excavation of a 50,000-member colony of Italian Honey Bees.

Nine-five percent of the bees were captured and will be placed in domesticated hives where they'll be studied and then relocated, said Adam Butrico of the Beekeepers Association. He said the bees were rescued to save them from being exposed to the deadly varroa mite and pesticide.

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The great white oak was split in half by a lightning strike during a recent storm, said Bob Burns, the township's public works manager. Afterwards, tree experts told the township that the tree had to be removed or it would eventually fall on the library, said Burns. The giant bee hive was also discovered at that time, he said.

Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.