The Auburn Oaks are flourishing once again.
University Arborist Alex Hedgepath said the trees are doing well in spite of the many rollings they endured in the fall. Auburn's season was an impactful one for the trees, but Hedgepath said they have grown in strength.
“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.”
The trees have seen their fair share of bad days having been poisoned in Feb. 2011 by Harvey Updike. Updike admitted to poisoning the trees at the Lee County Justice Center in Opelika, Alabama. The trees were then replaced on Feb. 14, 2015.
The replacement and health of the trees kept Auburn fans from participating in the tradition of rolling after winning games.
The Magnolia Avenue Oak struggled to take root within the following months and was replaced.
Fire overcame the Magnolia Avenue Oak after Auburn's win over LSU in 2016.
Jochen Wiest, a native to Germany, was accused of setting the tree ablaze and was released on bond and let go from his local job. He has since pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree criminal mischief.
The College Street oak also struggled to find comfort in its new home and was replaced as well. On August 31, 2016, the trees were declared "healthy but fragile" by University Planner Ben Burmeister.
Hedgepath has now said he has seen positive development through their growth.
“Leaf color has been good,” he said, “and root development continues to show promise as
Hedgepath said fans can expect to see more greenery and growth in the next months.
“We’re expecting a busy year for both oaks, but I’m confident they will continue to show signs of
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