The tree used as the town of Prosperity’s Christmas tree has come down and will be replaced by a new one.

“The tree on the square has been in bad shape for three years,” said Mayor Derrek Underwood. “Dead branches, disease, top fell out, further decay. It had taken the shape of a giant ball.”

The town council, utility department staff, landscaping firms and garden club all agreed it was best to do away with the dying tree.

So yesterday the tree was removed and will be replaced with a Carolina Sapphire or similar tree that will have the look of a Christmas, said Underwood.

Also the tree will have to be tolerant and disease resistant.

But the current Red Cedar will not be cut in vain as its wood will be used for a fund raiser to help pay for the new tree.

Town officials also plan to center the gazebo in the square along with adding more sitting areas, a band stand and to make other improvements to “spruce the whole area,” said Underwood.

“This will really bring a nice, inviting, new place to the center of town,” said Underwood, asking everyone to be patient as the town moves forward with rehabbing the Prosperity square.