Man calls for stringent checks on Boroondara’s street trees

Strong winds have sparked fears street trees in Melbourne’s leafy inner east could pose a risk to community safety. A neighbour says it’s lucky no one was hurt when a huge branch crashed down across a road in Canterbury.

A man is demanding more stringent checks of Boroondara’s street trees after a large branch crashed to the ground in strong winds.

John Ganes of Mont Albert North said he was shocked to find the heavy branch of a Pin Oak tree obstructing Mont Albert Rd in Canterbury near Monomeath Ave on August 9.

It was lucky no one was hurt, he said, particularly following two deaths just days apart which saw two women killed by falling trees.

One woman was killed and three others injured on August 9 when her family’s car was crushed in the Yarra Ranges as they drove to the snow.

A 36-year-old woman also died in Parkville last week when a tree collapsed on top of her as she walked to work.

Mr Ganes said regular checks of the trees were necessary to keep the community safe.

“The council should be more thorough in checking all the trees,” he said.

“It was due to strong winds on the day and the trees being dry inside, that’s what causes them to collapse.

“They (the council) do check them, but that’s usually when it’s half fallen down.

“The ratepayers, they pay big dollars, especially in Canterbury. They’re affluent suburbs and I think the council can afford to pay people to check them thoroughly.”

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Boroondara Council spokeswoman Carolyn Terry said previous assessments of the tree showed it was in a healthy condition, and the council proactively inspected the health and structure of 110,000 trees across the municipality.

A council arborist was onsite within half an hour of the fallen branch being reported on August 9, she said, and she encouraged people to call 9278 4444 if they’d like to request a tree inspection or hazard.

The council received 2037 requests to conduct checks on trees last financial year, she said, and ensuring the public’s safety was a top priority.

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