The University is asking Auburn fans not to roll the two main oak trees on Toomer's Corner this year and several other fledgling oaks lining the path to Samford Hall.
Officials said the new trees, which were just placed in February, have not fully rooted and established, meaning it could damage or kill the trees if they are rolled.
"The new Auburn Oaks are healthy but fragile, requiring intense monitoring and care as they become established," said Alex Hedgepath, University arborist. "They are taking root better and should establish quicker because they are slightly smaller."
The new trees are smaller than the two trees placed on the corner in 2015 after Harvey Updyke in 2011 poisoned the original Toomer's Oaks, which were believed to be more than 130 years old.
In September 2016, just months after the replacement trees were opened up to rolling, the Magnolia Avenue tree was set on fire and charred after Auburn's win over LSU.
A German national, 29-year-old Jochen Weist — who could be seen in video setting the tree on fire — was arrested on charges of public intoxication and desecration, but later pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree criminal mischief, a felony. The other charges were dropped as part of the plea deal.
Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker sentenced Wiest to three years in prison, but that sentence was suspended to allow Wiest to serve five years of probation. Wiest was also ordered to pay more than $20,000 in restitution to the University.
The University then had to replace the trees again in February of this year.
Fans are asked to take part in Auburn's most recognizable tradition by rolling other trees designated on Toomer's corner, including an oak tree and the two magnolia trees in front of Biggin Hall.
Four oak trees along College Street will also be designated for rolling. But the University is also asking fans not to roll the 10 young oaks lining the concourse pathway from Samford Hall to Toomer's Corner.
Those 16-year-old trees were transplanted last year and were cultivated from acorns from the original 130-year-old Toomer's Oaks.
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Chip Brownlee, senior in journalism and political science, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.
