AUBURN, AL (WSFA) - Auburn University is preparing to remove one of the Auburn Oaks it recently planted on Toomer's Corner out of concern that its long-term viability is questionable and it may not survive through the cold winter months.
The tree, located on West Magnolia Avenue, is slated to be removed in early July and will be replaced with a live oak that's similar in size, according to a statement released Tuesday by the university.
Auburn University campus planner Ben Burmester explained that the tree's lack of bud growth brought its future into question.
The oak is still alive, but AU Facilities Management landscape superintendent Steven Johnson says it appears to be surviving on the carbohydrates stored from its existing roots and not from production of any new roots or leaves. Basically, the clock is ticking on the tree's ability to feed itself.
"Trees capture light energy from the sun to help make their food. Without leaves, the Magnolia Avenue tree cannot gather energy..." Johnson said. "The longer the tree is leafless, the less chance it has of surviving..."
The company that supplied the trees planted on Toomer's Corner had a one-year guarantee on replacing them if they died due to transplanting. They were planted in mid-February in an Auburn celebration.
“The replacement tree, which was dug this past winter, continues to maintain a canopy similar to the College Street tree," said Gary Keever, AU professor of horticulture and Facilities Management landscape consultant. "This shows the tree has weathered the initial digging well and provides additional assurance it will continue to grow when relocated to Auburn.”
The tree that is being removed is being considered for transplantation to another area of campus to give it another opportunity to survive.
The tree, located on West Magnolia Avenue, is slated to be removed in early July and will be replaced with a live oak that's similar in size, according to a statement released Tuesday by the university.
Auburn University campus planner Ben Burmester explained that the tree's lack of bud growth brought its future into question.
The oak is still alive, but AU Facilities Management landscape superintendent Steven Johnson says it appears to be surviving on the carbohydrates stored from its existing roots and not from production of any new roots or leaves. Basically, the clock is ticking on the tree's ability to feed itself.
"Trees capture light energy from the sun to help make their food. Without leaves, the Magnolia Avenue tree cannot gather energy..." Johnson said. "The longer the tree is leafless, the less chance it has of surviving..."
The company that supplied the trees planted on Toomer's Corner had a one-year guarantee on replacing them if they died due to transplanting. They were planted in mid-February in an Auburn celebration.
“The replacement tree, which was dug this past winter, continues to maintain a canopy similar to the College Street tree," said Gary Keever, AU professor of horticulture and Facilities Management landscape consultant. "This shows the tree has weathered the initial digging well and provides additional assurance it will continue to grow when relocated to Auburn.”
The tree that is being removed is being considered for transplantation to another area of campus to give it another opportunity to survive.
