In the aftermath of the fire set to the Magnolia Avenue Oak, the Auburn Family has speculated whether of not the tree will survive.
Though severely charred during the incident, the tree began to show signs of life last week when new leaves emerged on its branches.
However, Professor of Horticulture Gary Keever said continued health assessments of the tree show the majority of it is dead from the fire.
“Our message to the Auburn Family about the Magnolia Avenue tree remains the same as from the outset, that it is severely damaged from the Sept. 25 fire," Keever said. "We have conducted three assessments of its health, the most recent one showing 60-70 percent of the tree’s canopy is dead."
Keever said thought these assessments are discouraging, the University is making every attempt to save the tree.
"A few new leaves have formed on some of the live branches, however, this does not indicate additional growth will occur or that those branches will be alive in the spring," Keever said. "Although the outlook is not promising, Auburn is doing everything possible to save the tree. We will continue to monitor the tree and provide updates as they become available.”
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