Salisbury Council attempts to save vandalised Carisbrooke Park trees

A mayor says her council will do whatever they can to save seven trees struggling to survive after a callous act of vandalism, including trying an out-of-the-box remedy.

The Salisbury Council Mayor has denounced a callous act of vandalism against trees as “sick” and vowed the council will do whatever they can to save the trees, however slim the odds.

Seven Claret Ash trees were damaged at Salisbury Park’s Carisbrooke Park between July 11 and 17 in what has been determined as a callous act of vandalism.

Mayor Gillian Aldridge described the vandalism as “sick” and slammed the perpetrator.

“I’m absolutely disgusted to think these beautiful trees would be damaged so badly they’re probably going to die and I just can’t understand why anybody would want to do that,” she said.

The council said they were at odds as to who perpetrated the vandalism, which was made all the more callous with the trees being the sole source of shade for a large grassed area next to a playground.

One of seven trees the Salisbury Council is battling to save after it was vandalised. Picture: Supplied

The seven Claret Ash trees stand alone in a grassed area at Carisbrooke Park near a playground. Picture: Google Maps

The semi-mature trees were believed to have been subject to “ringbarking”.

The act of “ringbarking” is common to stimulate or regulate growth of fruit trees but can been used as an act of deliberate destruction.

As a result, their chances of surviving were slim.

Despite the trees remaining at long odds of survival, the council undertook a process of “bridge-grafting” to try and give them the best chance.

Bridge-grafting would see twigs from the tree strapped onto the still viable bark above and below the sections of scored bark “bridging” the gap of damaged tree.

Despite the attempts at resurrection, council optimism was dwindling about the trees’ future prospects.

Salisbury Council Mayor Gillian Aldridge. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Ms Aldridge said the council would continue its attempts at “bridge-grafting” but that the “possibility of success is likely to be low”.

“(They’re low) but we will take every opportunity in front of us to save these trees,” she said.

Deputy mayor Chad Buchanan said the bridge-grafting would start in spring as the trees began to reproduce sap.

He confirmed the trees were planted in 2016 and cost the council about $4900.

Mr Buchanan said the matter had been reported to police.

Ward councillor Maria Blackmore described the vandalism as a “tragedy” and said it flew in the face of the council’s commitment to greening the city.

“We don’t want to lose the trees, and whoever is responsible for this should be held responsible,” she said.

“Council is really committed to populating areas with local trees, shrubs and bushes and this just goes completely against what we’re working towards.”

The popular park has been a jewel in the council’s crown attached to the much-loved Little Para Trail.