Nîmes to fell 13 plane trees to combat fungal disease

The city of Nîmes will fell 13 plane trees on Quai de la Fontaine during the week of November 2 to combat the spread of ‘chancre coloré’ (canker stain). This fungal disease is incurable and causes the trees to wither and die. The removal follows a 2025 injunction from state services aimed at preventing further contamination.

To minimize traffic disruptions, the operation will be conducted at night. Once the trees are cut, the stumps will be core-drilled and filled with mulch to limit the risk of fungal spread. The wood and stumps will be transported to Lauzières to be burned under supervision.

Following the removal, the city plans to plant 17 new trees this winter. To increase urban resilience against disease and climate change, the city is diversifying the species. The new plantings will include six different essences, such as the Mediterranean hackberry, Chinese cork oak, and Japanese pagoda tree.