Arsenal Oak fights for survival

The massive white oak that has graced the campus of Augusta State University for more than 250 years is still clinging to life. School officials are “guardedly optimistic” about its chances for long-term survival.

“It’s still holding on,” said Max Brown, supervisor of Grounds Maintenance and Building Services. “Another major branch has died, but it’s still fighting.”

The Arsenal Oak, located between Hardy Hall and Reese Library, is the largest and oldest white oak in Augusta. Estimated to be between 250 and 400 years old, it has a 15-foot circumference and its roots extend 30-40 yards beyond the drop line. It is the inspiration for the university’s logo.

The oak was infected last June with hypoxylon canker, a tree disease that is almost always fatal. The telltale black spots signaled an infection, and had school officials wondering if the tree would make it through the winter.

Enter Arborist Henry Frischknecht, owner of Empire Tree and Turf. Last summer, Mr. Frischknecht tried an experimental treatment, which involved injecting the tree with two types of fungicides. One, fungicol, was injected into the tree’s sap system, while the other, bannermax, was sprayed on the exterior of the tree.

At an inspection in March, optimism ran high when the tree showed new signs of life by sprouting new foliage. Signs of the disease were also fading.

But since then, the once green leaves have turned brown and fallen off. Another branch has sprouted green leaves, but that doesn’t mean the tree will definitely make it, Mr. Brown said.

“It’s started to show more signs of weakness,” he said. “They’ve shot it again, so it’s fighting, but it’s still got to make it through the hot summer months.”

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