Man arrested for poisoning Auburn's historic oaks
By JOHN ZENOR - Associated Press
Published Thursday, February 17, 2011 in the Athens Banner-Herald (edited)
AUBURN, Ala. — A 62-year-old Dadeville man has been arrested in connection with the poisoning of the historic Toomer's Corner oak trees at Auburn University.
Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson said Harvey Almorn Updyke Jr. was arrested at the police station Thursday and was charged with one count of criminal mischief first degree.
A man claiming to be "Al from Dadeville" phoned a radio show late last month, claiming he poured herbicide around the 130-year-old oaks that are the scene of celebrations after Auburn's sports victories.
Orange and blue pompoms were laid at the base of the trees along with signs, including one that read "get well soon."
Stephen Enloe, an assistant professor of agronomy and soil, said consultation with herbicide experts around the country indicated that there was a "low probability" that the trees will survive.
The trees were poisoned with a herbicide Spike 80DF, that is used to kill trees. Gary Keever, a horticulture professor, said Thursday that Spike 80DF can sometimes inhibit growth for as long as seven years.
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