Feb 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Workers use a crane to plant the first of two oak trees at Toomer's Corner. The oak trees are being planted to replace the famous Toomer's Oaks that were poisoned in 2011. Albert Cesare/Montgomery Advertiser-USA TODAY Sports
Auburn football fans can feel whole again.
On Saturday, they gathered at Toomer’s Corner at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue as symbols of the university were restored on sacred ground.
A pair of oak trees found a new home, two years after two 80-year-old trees were poisoned by an Alabama fan and had to be removed.
According to AI.com, the process of replacing the poisoned trees took over a year. Auburn officials selected the two 35-foot trees from more than 9,000 that were available.
The university’s horticulture department was instrumental in selecting the trees.
“We had certain criteria we wanted for the trees,” said professor of horticulture Gary Keever. “We wanted the lowest branches to be above head height, and we wanted to have trees that would be difficult for fans to climb. We were also looking at some traffic concerns with the branches.”
A third, spare tree, will be planted in a different location in case problems arise with one of the new trees.
For years, Auburn fans have celebrated victories by showering the trees at Toomer’s Corner with toilet paper.
However, this year the university has asked fans to hold off on the toilet paper until the 2016 season. The trees need time to get used to their new environment.
