University of Mississippi Landscape Services cut down five large trees on campus Aug. 8 responding to safety concerns posed by the trees’ declining health. Two trees in the Circle and three in the Grove were removed. Additional trees beyond the Grove and Circle have been cut down during the past few weeks, for example one across from Farley Hall on Sorority Row and one on Poole Drive across from Sigma Chi.

Director of UM Landscape Services Jeff McManus said the recent removals were part of the university’s commitment to maintaining the natural beauty and safety of campus.

“In some cases, structural failure was possible, and the decision to remove them was made to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors,” McManus said.

McManus explained that the trees were deemed unsafe as a result of disease caused by the fungus Biscogniauxia –– a fungus that works to accelerate the decay of trees –– as well as age-related decline and environmental stress.

According to a study by the Mississippi State University’s Plant Disease and Nematode Diagnostic Services, Biscogniauxia can enter trees through wounds or natural openings in the bark or by small colonies that fester in healthy trees. The study says that multiple factors can hinder a healthy tree’s ability to defend against the fungus, including drought, extreme heat, wounds, root damage and toxic chemicals. The study also found that Biscogniauxia thrives in temperatures ranging from 85-95℉.

A similar study conducted by the Oklahoma State University found that there is no clear cure or treatment for Biscogniauxia, but that the best way to prevent it is to maintain the tree’s overall health.

The recent removals at UM are connected to the falling of four trees in April 2024 caused by heavy rainfall and strong winds, most notably the tree that fell in the Union Plaza.

“The severe weather events this past year, including a lightning strike to one tree, coupled with natural aging processes, climate condition, disease and continued soil compaction all have had a considerable impact on some of the trees in the Grove,” McManus said.

Foot traffic from tailgating, concerts and commencements in the Grove contribute to the decline of some trees in the area. McManus said many of the Grove trees are reaching the end of their life spans.

“The upcoming football tailgating season poses risks to the Grove trees, particularly due to soil compaction, but this is true anytime large crowds gather under the trees,” McManus said.

Students like sophomore pre-law major Elise Early express mixed feelings on whether the university should make major changes to events to prevent further damage to aging trees.

“The tailgates are what Ole Miss is known for,” Early said. “But if the trees keep falling, it’s going to be a problem for everyone.”

Freshman business administration major Nora Colmer suggested a middle-of-the-road plan of action to address ongoing issues with campus trees.

“I think (the university) should inform more people of this issue and maybe cut down on some of the events in the Grove,” Colmer said. “Have them somewhere else to help preserve the trees.”

Ole Miss Athletics does not anticipate age-related tree decline or environmental factors to impact tailgating this year.

“Landscape Services are working with certified arborists to inspect and maintain the trees in the Grove and the Circle to prevent potential hazards,” Director of Media and News Relations for the University of Mississippi Jacob Batte said. “After football season, the university will address soil compaction and overall root health through processes called soil aerification and root air spading.”

UM Landscape Services echoed that proactive measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the campus community and populate the Grove with more trees.

“Our landscaping team follows a thorough and responsible approach to environmental stewardship,” McManus said. “When trees must be removed due to health and safety concerns, we carefully plan and execute replanting efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability and beauty of our campus.”

Sophomore public policy leadership and accountancy major Lilly Prather offered a solution to maintain the current campus landscape amid the progressive loss of trees.

“The university should plant more trees now to allow them to grow and cover the Grove,” Prather said. “When the old trees are removed, the Grove will keep the look it has now.”

If necessary, UM Landscape Services plans to replace the recently removed trees after football season. No immediate removals are planned at this time, though McManus said more trees may need to be removed in the future due to disease and environmental factors.

“We will continue to monitor the Grove and other areas of campus closely, addressing any environmental concerns as they arise,” McManus said.