On our property we have a large gum tree. It is on the strata council plan and the tree has gotten so large that the trunk has grown onto the neighbour's side of the property by about 30%-40%. The tree is huge, over 30 meters tall and is in our front yard. The canopy over hangs both properties as well as the public footpath, bus-shelter, road, power lines and our respective homes.
Recently I noticed discoloration in the leaves in the canopy, and on closer inspection I found white crystal like material on the neighbour's side of the fence around the base. On closer inspection I discovered there are also many holes bored into the base of the tree also on the neighbour's side. My research has led me to believe foul play.
I called the council and after internal issues with getting a response (whole other story), and several weeks later they confirmed via an arborist that the tree has been poisoned and are conducting tests on the crystal material to ensure it is not a toxic hazard. They also advised me it is a civil matter. For the moment the tree is not a hazard, but 50% of the canopy is now brown with small branches falling off. Looking forward to those gusty days.
The neighbouring property was sold last October at auction. I spoke to the the vending estate agent to track down the owner as the property has been vacant till now. The property is still under settlement, but the new owner is allowed access under terms of sale for maintenance. We have seen the new owner carrying out his routine maintenance one day by cleaning gutters of leaves and washing down the sides of the weatherboard house. That was in January and only the once we saw him do this, and the house still unoccupied.
I emailed the Estate agent to pass on request to discuss the poisoned tree with the owner, but no reply. Apparently an accountant is the owner's representative due to settlement. I do not have access to the new owner till after settlement.
In order to attempt to save the tree I need to enter the neighbour's property or get them to clean up their mess. No one seems to be able to help me and any remedial action can just as easily be reversed with more poison by whomever did this in the first place.
The police is the next port of call to report malicious property damage to my tree, but no witnesses.
For several weeks I have tried to resolved this issue and am helpless to do anything or bring anyone to account. Poisoning the tree with potential to cause a hazard to property and public is irresponsible to start with. Killing my healthy tree just angers me, not to mention the cost when the time comes to remove it.
Regards
I tried to enter tags, but "tree killer", "malicious property damage" is not available
Recently I noticed discoloration in the leaves in the canopy, and on closer inspection I found white crystal like material on the neighbour's side of the fence around the base. On closer inspection I discovered there are also many holes bored into the base of the tree also on the neighbour's side. My research has led me to believe foul play.
I called the council and after internal issues with getting a response (whole other story), and several weeks later they confirmed via an arborist that the tree has been poisoned and are conducting tests on the crystal material to ensure it is not a toxic hazard. They also advised me it is a civil matter. For the moment the tree is not a hazard, but 50% of the canopy is now brown with small branches falling off. Looking forward to those gusty days.
The neighbouring property was sold last October at auction. I spoke to the the vending estate agent to track down the owner as the property has been vacant till now. The property is still under settlement, but the new owner is allowed access under terms of sale for maintenance. We have seen the new owner carrying out his routine maintenance one day by cleaning gutters of leaves and washing down the sides of the weatherboard house. That was in January and only the once we saw him do this, and the house still unoccupied.
I emailed the Estate agent to pass on request to discuss the poisoned tree with the owner, but no reply. Apparently an accountant is the owner's representative due to settlement. I do not have access to the new owner till after settlement.
In order to attempt to save the tree I need to enter the neighbour's property or get them to clean up their mess. No one seems to be able to help me and any remedial action can just as easily be reversed with more poison by whomever did this in the first place.
The police is the next port of call to report malicious property damage to my tree, but no witnesses.
For several weeks I have tried to resolved this issue and am helpless to do anything or bring anyone to account. Poisoning the tree with potential to cause a hazard to property and public is irresponsible to start with. Killing my healthy tree just angers me, not to mention the cost when the time comes to remove it.
Regards
I tried to enter tags, but "tree killer", "malicious property damage" is not available