Orange City Council is installing signage to highlight tree poisoning on community land.
In the past 12 months it is estimated eight trees have been deliberately poisoned or damaged.
SIGNS: Orange City Councilor David Mallard believes the sign makes it clear that the broader community is unhappy with what’s happened.
The trees included:
- A plane tree in McLachlan Street
- A liquidambar in Spring Street
- Two eucalyptus trees in Somerset Park
The two eucalyptus trees in Somerset Park were found to have died late last year after being poisoned.
New signs will be displayed on poisoned trees stating, “The tree on this site belonged to the Orange community. It has been deliberately poisoned by persons unknown. Trees contribute character to the neighbourhood and provide habitat for wildlife. If you have information about the poisoning of this tree that would assist with a successful prosecution, please contact Orange City Council on 6393 8000.”
Orange City Council’s Environmental Sustainability Committee Chair, Cr David Mallard was disappointed to hear about the poisoned trees.
“Orange’s street and park trees are loved and treasured by the vast majority of local residents, and that’s why the actions of a few are so shocking,” Cr Mallard said.
“Trees in streets and parks combat urban heat. When we experience heat on these hot summer days, simply step into the shade that’s provided by a tree and you can feel the instant relief.”
While there’s clear evidence from holes drilled into the trunk that the trees have been poisoned, it’s very difficult to find out who did it. It’s possible a neighbour or someone walking past saw some suspicious activity. Council is hoping the signs will prompt a witness to come forward.
“For practical reasons, there’s always going to be a gap between the time the poisoned tree is removed and the new tree is planted, so the person who did this will think they’ve got away with something. Installing the sign makes it clear that the broader community is unhappy with what’s happened,” Cr Mallard said
“It might make someone think twice before they do this again to realise they’re so out of step with community standards.”
The first signs have been attached to two poisoned trees in Somerset Park near Northstoke Way.
