The emblematic plane trees planted along Canal du Midi's banks suffer from an illness called colored canker. This disease forces the systematic felling of the trees as the only treatment and wood-burning to prevent further propagation of the infection. The trees stand less than 32 feet (10 m) apart, so the disease is transmitted via the canal's waters, contact between trees, wounds, etc. The Voies Navigables de France (Navigable Waterways of France) have however launched a replanting project along the banks, with new species.