Massive Tree Falls On Newton Home

NEWTON (CBS) - A massive 191-year-old copper beech tree suddenly split Tuesday, and fell on a home in Newton.

"I'm more concerned about the tree," said homeowner Bill Kasper, "because I can fix the home, but I'm not so sure if we can save the tree."

The tree was planted in 1825, the year that John Quincy Adams was elected President. The current home was built in 1878 and was obviously well-built.

"Had it been new construction, it probably would have been two pieces, one on each side of the lawn," said Kasper. "It's pretty beefy construction, I'm fortunate."

A huge portion of the trunk split, and came crashing onto the front of the home and right onto the roof of the room where Kasper's wife frequently works.

"Yea that's my office the one with the tree in it," said Angela Kyn, "but we love that tree. I hope we can save the rest of it."

The family's arborist said a massive fungal growth on one side may have weakened the tree leading to the split.