Bunbury trees poisoned by vandals

A group of mature trees forming part of the Vittoria Heights entry statement are unlikely to survive after being poisoned by unknown vandals.

Numerous bore holes were drilled into the five trees on Alyxia Drive and it appears a poison has then been applied to kill them off.

The City of Bunbury said in a statement that while the London plane trees will be given every chance to recover, it is unlikely they will survive.

The city will replace the 20-year-old trees when the time arises.

Manager of Landscape and Open Space Kristy Tillett said it was not known why these trees had been targeted.

“A member of the public alerted us to the condition of these trees and when City staff inspected them, it become apparent they had been poisoned,” Ms Tillett said.

“These trees should be healthy with full canopies but they are looking very stressed and sick.

“There is a slim chance they may recover, but it is most likely they will need to be removed and replaced with new trees.”

Trees have significant benefits for the City, such as providing shade, creating a habitat for local fauna, adding to the streetscape and enhancing the environment.

Ms Tillett said it was unfortunate that this was not the only case of tree poisoning the City has addressed in the past two years.

“There have been several instances where trees have been poisoned in various locations around the City,” she said.

“We encourage anyone who has information about the poisoning of trees to come forward.”