Charles Sturt Council is investigating the poisoning of a significant gum tree in Kilkenny
A large river red gum that was deliberately poisoned in Kilkenny is unlikely to survive, according to Charles Sturt Council.
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A large river red gum that was deliberately poisoned in Kilkenny is unlikely to survive, according to Charles Sturt Council.
The significant tree, on Share St, near the OI Glass factory at the corner of Port and Kilkenny roads, was first identified as being in ill health in February.
Council arborists found drill holes at the base of the tree and subsequently tested leaves, which confirmed that a herbicide had been used to poison the tree through the holes.
Charles Sturt Council would not reveal which poison had been used for fear it could encourage more people to damage significant trees.
A council spokeswoman said because the effectiveness of the herbicide and the speed of the tree’s decline, there was little chance of it being rehabilitated.
“There are some branches and foliage which have not been impacted by the herbicide and the tree will be monitored,” the spokeswoman said.
Hindmarsh Ward councillor Paul Alexandrides said it was “beyond” him why anyone would want to poison the tree.
“There’s been an argument through (the) council for a long time about appropriate trees in appropriate places,” Cr Alexandrides said.
“This is a magnificent tree in a location where it wasn’t hurting anybody. I don’t know why anyone would want to poison it.
“It’s not like it on a footpath or a road or next to somebody’s house. It was in the middle of an industrial space that had little to no public traffic.
He said the poisoning was an “absolute disgrace” and “distressing”.
The council would not release any details of its investigation into who was responsible for the poisoning or what consequences may be handed out if the culprit was caught.
If the tree died, the council would have to cut it down at its own expense.
There have been successful prosecutions across Adelaide for poisoning trees. The maximum penalty $120,000.
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