Several outbreaks of crimson canker, caused by the fungus Ceratocystis platani, have been detected on plane trees in Vénissieux. This disease is incurable and contagious, leading to the irreversible decline of infected trees.
To prevent any spread of the fungus, national regulations mandate the felling of plane trees within a 35-meter radius of infected ones. These sanitary measures are considered essential to protect the city's arboreal heritage.
For every tree removed from Boulevard Laurent Gérin, plane trees resistant to crimson canker will be replanted starting in December 2026. Planting plane trees in the infected zone is prohibited for at least ten years.
A total of 38 plane trees are affected by these works. The first felling campaign, which began in February 2026, resulted in the removal of 25 plane trees: 8 on Boulevard L. Gerin (city), 4 on the same boulevard (métropole), 6 on Boulevard M. Sembat (métropole), and 7 on Rue Joannes Vallet (métropole).
The second series of fellings, taking place in October and December 2026, involves 13 plane trees. Six métropole plane trees on Boulevard L. Gerin were felled on October 22 and 23. Seven city plane trees on the same boulevard will be felled during the first week of the school holidays in December 2026.
These operations are carried out by specialized companies following strict sanitary protocols. The Métropole de Lyon, owner of the majority of the affected trees, is undertaking these fellings following a ministerial decree from January 2025.
