Kudzu Infestation Concerns Peachtree City

Trees are disappearing along State Route 54 in Peachtree City, Georgia because of a significant kudzu infestation.

Peachtree City, Georgia officials plan to meet with local property owners to provide guidelines on how to properly maintain vegetation and comply with the city's landscape ordinance.

Steve Brown, the former Peachtree City mayor and county commissioner-elect, told the Fayette County News the city must do more to maintain its green heritage. He noted shrinking tree buffers, especially along major roads.

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata), pictured, is a climbing vine of the pea family native to southern Japan and southeast China. It has been referred to as "the vine that ate the South."

It you’ve ever driven across Georgia, you get the impression the state is wall-to-wall trees, but Peachtree City says trees are disappearing along State Route 54 because of a significant kudzu infestation.

Because of staff shortages, the city has reportedly “not been as diligent over the past few years in following up with landscape inspections.” However, a certified arborist has volunteered to research and develop a document for business owners, property managers, landscape contractors and the general public regarding proper maintenance, watering and pruning of trees.