It hasn’t been the best of times over the last few years at Auburn’s famed Toomer’s Corner. First it was Harvey Updike’s poisoning of the famed oak, then it was a fire set by a drunken idiot following the Auburn-LSU contest.
Now, following that fire, it appears the famed Auburn Oak is in real danger of dying according to a letter sent by a horticulture professional.
The letter is rather blunt and to the point. Here it is in full:
Chief Paul Register:
As a result of the fire that was intentionally set to one of the oak trees on university property at the corner of West Magnolia Avenue and South College Street, it is the professional opinion of Dr. Gary Keever, Professor of Horticulture, that the damaged tree will die and must be replaced. It is estimated that the cost to replace the damaged tree will be approximately $15,000 to $20,000.
Sincerely,
Chance Corbett
Interim Executive Director
It wouldn’t be surprising given the fire has caused plenty of branches of the Auburn Oak to stop producing leaves and likely meaning a large portion of the tree is damaged beyond its own repair mechanisms.
However, it isn’t the only opinion on the tree as professor Gary Kreever sent an e-mail to The Plainsman saying the following:
“The tree has declined significantly since the morning following the fire, with multiple branches in the canopy now dead. On the positive side, new leaves are forming on some of the live branches scattered through the canopy. We’ll continue to monitor the condition of the tree through fall and winter, but at this time, there are no plans to remove it.”
It may be some time before any decision is made on replacing the current Auburn Oak, and the hope is that it is salvageable.
You’ve got to love differing scientific opinions though, right?
