Auburn, Ala. -- The Auburn Oak's at Toomer's Corner have long been a major part of the Auburn culture and spirit. Auburn University arborist, Alex Hedgepath, explains that the Auburn Oaks planted in February, 2017, are in a healthy state.
The trees were able to maintain their health after the rollings that occurred throughout the 2017-2018 football season, and are continuing to have good root development.
“Both oak canopies are in fair condition,” Hedgepath said. “Each tree has some tip dieback in the upper fourth of the canopy, but the leaves that have pushed out have strong color and shoot elongation has also been encouraging.”
However, the fate of the trees at Toomer's Corner has not always been so promising.
In February of 2011, the original oak trees that stood at the corner of Magnolia Avenue and College Street were poisoned by an angry Alabama fan, Harvey Updike. The poisoning occurred in the wake of Auburn's victory over Alabama in the 2013 Iron Bowl.
Four years later, the trees were replaced in February of 2015. However, the Magnolia Avenue tree did not show any growth and was not developing healthily. Auburn replaced this oak only a few months after they had been planted.
About two years later, the Magnolia tree once again suffered after it was lit on fire after Auburn beat LSU on September 24, 2016. The College tree was also struggling as it was failing to become established in it's new setting.
In February 2017, Auburn replaced the oaks again, planting the oaks that are currently residing on the corner of Magnolia and College. Although Hedgepath is unable to make a full prediction of the trees' futures after only a year in their new homes, he can tell Auburn fans that the development has been positive as they have monitored the trees throughout the year.
“Leaf color has been good,” Hedgepath said. “And root development continues to show promise as diameter of feeder roots have grown and perimeter roots continue to elongate."
The oaks will continue to be monitored regularly. The Auburn family can expect to see more greenery and growth coming from both trees. Since the trees are part of the Auburn family, there is no doubt that they will be protected as best as possible headed into the future.
“We’re expecting a busy year for both oaks, but I’m confident they will continue to show signs of establishment to their new home,” Hedgepath said.
