The Spirit Tree

In 2010 a man poisoned the oak trees that are located at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue in Auburn, Alabama. The man that is accused of poisoning the trees will go to trial on April 8th of this year. It will be interesting to see what his sentence will be for killing these historic trees. 

People who don't live in the state of Alabama may wonder what makes these trees that important? Why would he care to poison trees?

Well, the beloved trees are rolled, or TP'd as I grew up calling it, after every big win from Auburn University. It is a tradition that has been around for an extremely long time. When I went on a college tour there when I was a junior in high school the tour guide informed us that part of the student fees go to cleaning up the trees after they are rolled. It is a tradition that has made it's way into the heart of every Auburn fan.

What makes this current events? Auburn University has announced that the last day to roll these trees will be on April 20, the same day as the football team's A-day. After attempts to save the trees has proven to be impossible the trees will be gone shortly after the A-day game.

The college has plans with the city of Auburn to put something else on "Toomer's Corner" to allow fans to continue the tradition.

You can also purchase a book about the trees titled 'The Spirit Tree' written by Erin Lough and Mave Lough Duke.

Photo courtesy of The Spirit Tree at Toomer's Corner website.

Photo Courtesy of friendlypoems.com