Toomer's Corner Oaks Poisoned with Spike 80DF

by Jordan Yerman | February 16, 2011 at 03:08 pm

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Toomer's Corner: Historic Auburn University Oak Trees Poisoned

The historic oak trees of Toomer's Corner have been poisoned. Auburn University's trees were treated with a deadly amount of Spike 80DF, and police are currently investigating. The use of Spike 80DF, or tebuthiuron, is controlled by Alabama state law. [Update: Harvey Updyke has been arrested in connection with the Toomer's Corner oak poisoning.]

Toomer's corner is a traditional point of gathering and celebration for Auburn University students, who throw toilet paper over the oak trees.

The Toomer's Corner oak trees, which are over 130 years old, were treated with over 50 times the lethal dose for trees their size. Someone calling himself "Al from Dadeville" phoned in to the Paul Finebaum Show (podcast link) and claimed responsibility for the tree poisoning, and soil samples proved that the call was not a hoax.

Nearby foliage is also threatened by the herbicide, and crews are working to stop the environmental damage from spreading.

The university does not use Spike herbicide, officials said. Officials did say there is no reason to suspect any human danger from the herbicide, which manufacturer Dow Chemical says should be applied with proper clothing protection; a typical use of the herbicide is to kill trees along fence lines.

The Toomer's Corner oaks will likely die, despite school officials' efforts, and despite public statements meant to shore up student morale.

“We will take every step we can to save the Toomer’s oaks, which have been the home of countless celebrations and a symbol of the Auburn spirit for generations of Auburn students, fans, alumni and the community,” said University President Jay Gogue.