MU replacing 15 pin oak trees around the Francis Quad

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The University of Missouri has started the process of replacing 15 pin oak trees around the Francis Quad.

New legacy oak trees were grown on MU's South Farm and will be planted over the summer.

The white oaks were donated by alumni of the College of Agriculture and are expected to live more than 200 years.

Prior to Wednesday, the pin oaks stood on Mizzou's campus for more than 70 years.

"These noble trees have reached the end of their natural lifespan and are a potential safety hazard to pedestrians and buildings. Replacing them is essential to the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors," said Michael Graves, associate vice chancellor for facilities, in a release.

For the last four years the Mizzou Botanic Garden, faculty and staff experts, and arborists from outside the campus developed a plan to replace the aging trees to maintain the historic look of the Quad.