Auburn Football: Toomer's Trees Showing New Life but Status Is Still Uncertain

In one of the most bizarre stories of 2010, Harvey Updyke poisoned the grove of trees at Toomer's Corner in the University of Auburn following the Tigers victory in the Iron Bowl. The story drew headlines across the nation, infuriated the Auburn family as well as creating a melancholy feeling as the fate of the famous trees hung in the balance.

Interesting plot twists have been added since 2010 as Auburn's Toomer's Task Force undertook an experimental treatment in order to save the trees. Using a micronutrient fertilizer, the Task Force's plan is to use a specific sugar IV to nurse the trees back to a health. Unfortunately for Tiger fans, the prognosis is still less than optimistic as the poison continues to work its way throughout the trees' system.

While there are signs of new growth — new leaves exfoliating for the spring season — dead branches remain and the erosion of the trees' overall health is obvious. The University can see the light however, especially seeing the growth coupled with the treatment. But in a presser following a trip through the trees' canopies, Dr. Gary Keever was sure to let folks know not to get their hopes up. When a reporter asked whether the "trees will most likely die" stance had changed, Keever responded, "I don't think so. Not at this point."

As the Auburn family keeps hope alive for the trees, there is news on the legal front. Harvey Updyke's court date is scheduled for June 25th. Originally scheduled for April 9th, the date was moved back and could be postponed again if Updyke's lawyer, Everett Wesspart's petition for a new judge is granted. Judge Jacob A. Walker III is part of a group of Auburn season ticket holders and is thus not able to be impartial, so the defense states.

More than a year since the poisoning, Auburn fans can expect more sad and strange twists to come.