Five pin oaks will be removed from MU’s main quadrangle. Here are three different reports on the loss of the trees. The trees are 60 years old, but should have lived until 80 to 100 years, but the soil and watering to support the grass led to the early death of the trees, according to the reports.
Don’t like MU spending money on trees instead of your favorite cause? The news release states the costs for the replacement of the trees will come from a special Mizzou Botanic Garden fundraising campaign. The trees will be replaced with native oak species.
- July 16, 2018 — Unsafe pin oaks come down on the MU quad, Columbia Missourian. Summary: Five pin oaks are being removed. The clay soil of MU’s Frances Quadrangle limited their lifespan.
- July 16, 2018 — Pin oak tree removal will begin on historic Francis Quadrangle this week. Source: MU News Bureau. Summary: Five, 60-year-old pin oaks will be removed. Replacing the trees will be funded by “The Legacy Oaks of the Francis Quadrangle.” The trees will be replaced with native white oaks.
- July 16, 2018 — MU starts removal of aging oaks from Francis Quadrangle. Source: The Columbia Daily Tribune. Summary: “Age, soil conditions and overwatering have taken a toll,” on the oaks, according to this article.