The future Alpharetta Arts Center site at Canton Street and Mayfield Road will lose three of its shade trees to disease after the city officials said at least one of them poses a hazard to those walking or driving by the property.
The largest tree is severely infected with Hypoxylon Canker, a fungus disease that strikes large shade trees weakened by drought and other factors. Trees so seriously infected do not survive, regardless of treatment, and it’s recommended such trees be removed and destroyed off-site to prevent the spread of the disease, officials said.
“We work hard to prevent the loss of mature trees from any of our parks,” said Mike Perry, director of recreation and parks. “Sometimes, however, to ensure the safety of the public and properly manage our tree canopy it becomes necessary to remove trees.”
The remaining tree density of the Arts Center site is such that the city will not plant any new shade trees to replace the ones that will be lost, officials said. Understory trees and other plant materials, however, are currently being designed. Alpharetta is working on plans to turn the former Fulton County branch library into a community arts facility.
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