Auburn asks fans not to roll specific trees

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Auburn asks fans not to roll specific trees

By Giana Han

3 minutes

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The Toomers Corner celebration after Auburn v Alabama Iron Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 in Auburn, Ala.Todd Van Emst | AU Athletics

On Wednesday, another Auburn game day tradition was affected when the university sent out a statement asking fans not to wrap the two Auburn Oaks and 10 descendant trees at Toomer’s Corner in toilet paper this season. Instead, fans are encouraged to roll the two large southern magnolia trees and a white oak in front of Biggin Hall near Toomer’s Corner.

University Arborist Alex Hedgepath said the two Auburn Oaks planted in 2017 and the 10 descendant trees still need special care and monitoring. Giving the trees a break from the toilet paper this season will help make sure the trees stay healthy and alive for years to come. It is also important to keep children from climbing the trees, Hedgepath said.

“Although the Auburn Oaks are exhibiting signs of establishment, these oaks are still easily inside of a long transplant recovery phase,” Hedgepath said in a statement. “This means that small roots are still growing aggressively to make up for root loss that occurred before and at the time of planting. It is prudent to reduce foot traffic and excess water so that the new roots are not damaged and can establish the trees as soon as possible.”

The trees were replanted after a University of Alabama fan poisoned the original trees. Harvey Updyke, who recently died, called into Paul Finnebaum’s show in 2011 claiming responsibility and pleaded guilty in 2013. Updyke still owed $788,588 in restitution payments and court fees, but his bill died with him.

The University halted two other pregame traditions this season, as well. It will not have the pregame eagle flight nor Tiger Walk as part of Auburn’s gameday procedures due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Auburn encourages fans to wear masks and practice social distancing guidelines in any other gameday celebrations they participate in.