The dark, blue–black discoloration is due to the iron in the steel rods that were installed in the tree in 1924.  This reaction occurs in oak, redwood, cypress, and cedar because these woods contain large amounts of tannins that react with iron when moisture is present. 

     In our tree the color looks ebony black in some areas and almost navy in others.  It was this connection with iron that inspired our name, Forged in Wood.  This characteristic is one that reminds us of the restoration that took place almost 100 years ago and how important the Basking Ridge Oak has been to our town.