Vandals target trees in Highbury and Richmond in separate but similar poisonings
MORE than half a dozen big old trees have been deliberately poisoned in two suburban parks. It’s left local council and residents asking why?
IN two separate incidents with striking similarities, eight suburban Adelaide trees have been poisoned.
West Torrens Council is trying to save four significant gum trees at Richmond Oval that have been deliberately poisoned while Tea Tree Gully Council is investigating a “serious act of vandalism” on four gum trees in a Highbury reserve.
A West Torrens spokesman said workers had topped up the trees’ nutrient intake after finding signs they had been poisoned on the Milner Rd oval, home to the West Adelaide Football Club.
There were “multiple drill holes” in the trunk of each of the trees on the eastern side of the oval, the spokesman said.
“It appears that the trees have had a substance poured into the drill holes that has caused discolouration and an odour around the holes,” the spokesman said.
The poisoning was found during routine inspections of the Richmond Oval area by council staff.
“Foliage on the tips of the largest tree (was) looking poorly and it attracted the attention of the staff to investigate the matter,” the spokesman said.
“The trees have been treated with a nutrient booster containing phosphates, soluble potash and iron, which are all essential in promoting leaf and root growth. The tree canopies will be pruned to assist with their recovery.”
The spokesman said the council would monitor the health of the trees in coming months. It had also sent a letter about the poisoning to nearby residents and businesses.
Keswick Ward Councillor John Woodward said the penalty was high for people deliberately poisoning significant trees.
Under the 1993 Development Act, fines of up to $120,000 can be issued.
“It’s extremely disappointing that someone would do that,” he said. “It looks like they knew what they were doing, drilling a hole and setting it (poison) in.”
West Adelaide chief executive David Grenvold said the trees added enormous benefit to people using the oval from both a shade and a scenic outlook perspective.
“We are extremely disappointed to potentially lose these magnificent native trees surrounding the oval,” Mr Grenvold said.
Tea Tree Gully Council is investigating the deliberate poisoning of four gum trees in Coulls Reserve, Highbury.
A tip-off to advertiser.com.au by a member of the public led to the find.
“The trees have been drilled into and poisoned,” the resident said.
“It’s outrageous.
“I believe the trees were poisoned by somebody who lives in the area.”
Council arborist Andrew Nichols believed the trees had been poisoned during the past few months.
“We have fenced the area off while investigations take place and we try to save the trees,” he said.
Mr Nichols said the council would conduct its own investigation rather than get police involved.
“This is a serious act of vandalism and anyone with information should contact the council,” Mr Nichols said.
“If the trees die, which is highly likely, they will be replaced.
“Council officers are authorised to investigate and take action on these type of matters so there is no requirement to contact police.”