There is one individual that us tree-huggers dislike intensely. This person is a tree poisoner.
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House blocks are currently being developed for the next stage of the Ibis Estate in North Orange. Part of this development involves the retention of a reserve of remnant eucalypts, accessible from Stevenson Way. Each of these trees is mature enough to be a haven for native wildlife.
It is therefore unfortunate that one of these trees has been deliberately poisoned. Someone has bored eight holes around the base of this magnificent specimen for the purpose of injecting a potent herbicide. The result has been an obvious decline in the condition of the tree. Its prognosis is doubtful.
Motivation for the poisoning of trees suggests that the presence of the tree in question is of inconvenience to someone. Perhaps the tree obscures a desirable view, or it is regarded as a danger or an inconvenience through dropping limbs or shedding leaves.
It is also possible that poisoning a tree could be driven by sheer spite and vindictiveness towards those connected with the development. As the culprit has not been apprehended, nor is likely to own up, we will never know his or her identity or what motivated he or she to do such a thing.
A spokesperson for Orange City Council informs us that “council has inspected the subject tree. Remnant trees belonging to the Box Gum Woodland Ecologically Endangered Vegetation Community are an extremely important community asset, not only for current residents, but for future generations.
The loss of such trees in these circumstances is inexcusable. The trees belong to the community and are important for sustaining biodiversity. The selection of trees to be retained where subdivisions occur is undertaken by qualified staff in consultation with developers who understand which trees will be retained.
Poisoning of trees is not tolerated by the community and there are severe penalties should persons be found guilty of wilfully destroying trees.”
Our council can hit back at the poisoner by leaving the dead tree in situ. This retains it as a habitat tree and denies the poisoner the successful result of his act. Another plan is the erection of signs condemning such behaviour near the tree.