Ad Disclosure
Auburn Oaks at Toomer’s Corner cleared to be rolled during 2023 season
By Paul Harvey
Published:
The Auburn Oaks at Toomer’s Corner are ready to roll, the university announced Tuesday after a delay of several years.
After the previous oak trees were poisoned and removed from Toomer’s Corner, Auburn replanted two new trees six years ago. Auburn requested fans to refrain from rolling the young trees while they getting established.
Now, those trees are ready to roll! Auburn announced Tuesday that it was recently determined that the oaks are established enough for the tradition to return.
“The rolling of Toomer’s Corner is one of the nation’s top sports traditions,” Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts said. “Our fans have come together for decades on the corner of Magnolia and College to celebrate our big wins. In recent years, we continued our cherished tradition by rolling different trees, but I am very excited that the Auburn Family will once again be able to roll our most prominent trees.”
The #Auburn Oaks are #ReadytoRoll again. @AuburnTigers @AU_Facilities
?: https://t.co/KEjoV1yNas pic.twitter.com/OYtL9QsVun
— Auburn University (@AuburnU) August 8, 2023
The original Auburn Oaks were planted sometime between 1937 and 1939 but were removed in April 2013. The trees were poisoned in 2010 by infamous Paul Finebaum caller Harvey Updyke/Al from Dadeville.
A pair of replacement oaks were planted in 2015 but one was lit on fire after rolling was allowed in the fall of 2016. Both trees were damaged and removed. The current Auburn Oaks were planted in February 2017 with the university asking fans to refrain from rolling until those trees were established.
“Both trees have made excellent progress since planting took place six years ago and are now considered to have recovered from transplant stress,” said Alex Hedgepath, Auburn University arborist. “Because of the Auburn Family’s commitment, the trees are now established and can withstand rolling and cleanup efforts after Auburn athletic victories. With continued care, we expect the trees to grow vigorously and become further established.”
Now, it’s up to Hugh Freeze’s football program to rack up some wins so the Auburn faithful can once again let the good times roll.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
