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The original George and Martha, named for George and Martha Washington, were planted to commemorate George Washington's bicentennial birthday in 1932 as part of a Several chapters throughout the country participated, including Oxford's David Reese Chapter.

However, poor root growth and ice from January's winter storm "Fern" were not a winning combination for the tree couple.

"We took every precaution to preserve George and Martha, including completing an extensive soil compaction mitigation project two years ago to promote root growth," said Nathan Lazinsky, director of the Department of Landscape Services. "Unfortunately, the ice from storm Fern caused structural failure, and the trees had to be removed due to safety concerns."

Luckily, spring is the perfect opportunity for renewal, replanting and learning.

"We see this as an opportunity to partner with the DAR on a meaningful replanting effort and educational event," Lazinsky said. "Our goal is to demonstrate proper tree planting techniques with involvement from both the DAR and students."

The new George and Martha replaced their predecessors on the east side of the Paul B. Johnson Commons near the J.D. Williams Library.

"These trees are meant to be a living representative of our history," said Claudia Gleason, regent of the David Reese DAR chapter that boasts 99 members. "Our history is very deep, and a very great history needs constant care and nourishment, like a tree.

"It was something that we could share with the community of the university, our local town, the state, nation and, when you think about it, even internationally; remember, we were 'the shot that was heard around the world.'"

Just as the first president learned from , UM Landscape Services also keep meticulous records to care for trees on campus.

As a result of the January storm, more than 9,550 broken limbs have been pruned from trees, all the Grove and Circle trees that were removed following the storm have been replaced and 139,000 cubic yards of debris have been hauled away, Lazinsky said.

"The entire campus property is about 88% trees," he said. "On the central campus, 95% of the trees weathered the storm well, so that kind of shows that the proactive maintenance we do on the trees helps with survival of the ice storm."

The trees throughout campus are notedly special.

"Our campus tree canopy is a defining feature and a significant part of what makes our campus unique," Lazinsky said. "These large trees are part of our legacy and history."

One Grove tree that was recently removed was some 109 years old, dating back to a time that coincides with early milestones in campus history; that tree even saw the invention of commercial ice cream.

On average, Ole Miss landscape workers plant more than 300 trees each year.

"We are committed to enhancing and sustaining the campus canopy for future generations," Lazinsky said.

Future generations will be able to continue to enjoy George and Martha.

"We are delighted to have the George and Martha Washington trees on the UM campus," Gleason said. "What better place could we find to share our nation's history with our Mississippi statewide community.

"Since July Fourth this year will mark our nation's 250th anniversary, it is fitting that our attention – through adversity – is drawn back to the history and reason for these willow oak tree plantings."

Top: Students representing the Associated Student Body help shovel dirt around one of the willow oaks honoring George and Martha Washington. The trees were planted Wednesday (April 15) at the East side of Johnson Commons to replace the ones that were removed after sustaining severe damage in the January ice storm. Photo by Hunt Mercier/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services