Auburn University pruning poisoned oaks - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Auburn's famed Toomer's Corner oaks will go through a major pruning today.  Contractors will be cutting most of the limbs off the dying trees and it's not the transformation that any Auburn student, alumni or fan wants to see.

Contractors began cutting the limbs this morning and the pruning is scheduled to last until around 3 p.m. today.  Streets around Toomer's Corner will be closed off during that time.  Motorists are advised to take an alternate route to avoid the traffic delays through the area.

In recent months, folks on Auburn's campus say the trees have deteriorated significantly.  Earlier this year, there was hope that the trees were improving after they put out some green leaves.  However, school officials are still unsure if the landmark trees will survive.  It's heartbreaking news for many Auburn fans.

Auburn alum Scott Grimes says, "it was just very special. It was a place were we gathered and did different activities. It just breaks my heart that they are going to have to cut them back. Anything is possible.  I think they have shown some good signs, but I think the decision to prune them back now is probably for the better."

Auburn University officials can't say much because they are under a gag order for the upcoming Harvey Updyke trial.  But they have released a written statement that reads in part:

The Toomer's Oaks are being pruned significantly today for safety reasons, based on advice from Auburn University's Tree Preservation Committee.  A tree service contractor, under the supervision of Auburn's Facilities Management, is removing weakened branches above the plaza and streets at the corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue.

Last year, the Toomer's committee announced that Auburn fans would be able to roll the trees this upcoming football season.  According to today's statement from Auburn University, long term decisions about the trees haven't been made, but fans will be allowed to gather at the corner and continue the tradition of rolling the trees this fall.

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