The University of Mississippi Landscaping Services cut down five large trees on campus on August 8 to address safety concerns due to the poor health of the trees. Two trees in the Circle and three in the Grove were removed. Additional trees outside the Grove and Circle have been cut down in recent weeks, including one across from Farley Hall on Sorority Row and one on Poole Drive across from Sigma Chi.

Jeff McManus, director of UM Landscape Services, said the recent removals are part of the university’s commitment to preserving 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 due to a disease caused by the fungus Biscogniauxia – a fungus that accelerates the decay of trees – as well as age-related decay and environmental stress.

According to a study by Mississippi State University’s Plant Disease and Nematode Diagnostic Services, Biscogniauxia can enter trees through wounds or natural openings in the bark, or through small colonies that thrive in healthy trees. According to the study, several factors can compromise a healthy tree’s ability to defend itself against the fungus, including drought, extreme heat, wounds, root damage, and toxic chemicals. The study also found that Biscogniauxia thrives in temperatures between 30 and 35 °C.

A similar study from Oklahoma State University found that there is no clear cure or treatment for Biscogniauxia, but the best prevention is to maintain the overall health of the tree.

The recent fellings at UM are related to the downing of four trees in April 2024 due to heavy rains and strong winds, most notably the fallen tree in Union Plaza.

“Last year’s severe weather events, including a lightning strike to a tree, coupled with natural aging processes, climatic conditions, disease and progressive soil compaction have all had a significant impact on some of the trees in the grove,” McManus said.

Foot traffic from tailgating, concerts and graduation parties at the Grove contributes to the death of some of the area’s trees. McManus said many of the trees in the Grove are reaching the end of their lifespan.

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

Students like second-year law student Elise Early express mixed feelings about whether the university should make major changes to events to prevent further damage to the aging trees.

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

Nora Colmer, a freshman business administration major, proposed a moderate action plan to address the ongoing tree problems on campus.

“I think (the university) should educate more people about this issue and maybe limit some of the events at the Grove,” Colmer said. “Hold them somewhere else to help protect the trees.”

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

“Landscape Services is working with certified arborists to inspect and maintain trees in the Grove and Circle to prevent potential hazards,” said Jacob Batte, director of media and news relations for the University of Mississippi. “After football season, the university will address soil compaction and overall root health with practices such as soil aeration and root air spading.”

UM Landscape Services reiterated that proactive measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the campus community and to plant more trees in the grove.

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

Lilly Prather, a second-year student in public policy and accounting, proposed a solution to preserve the current campus landscape despite the ongoing tree loss.

“The university should plant more trees now so they can grow and cover the grove,” Prather said. “When the old trees are removed, the grove will retain its current appearance.”

If necessary, UM Landscape Services plans to replace the recently cut trees after football season. No immediate cuts are currently planned, although McManus said more trees may need to be cut in the future due to disease and environmental factors.

“We will continue to closely monitor Grove and other areas of campus and address any environmental issues that arise,” McManus said.