Public Tree Damaged

Published on 21 February 2018

A decades old Plane tree in Tumut’s Russell Street has been blatantly poisoned for reasons unknown.

Late last week Council workers noted drilled holes and remnants of likely poison at the base of a large Plane tree adjacent to 40 Russell Street, Tumut.

Council Director Assets and Infrastructure Matt Christensen said the illegal actions caused damage to the tree trunk as well as minor die back.

“The Plane trees along Russell Street offer practical shade and beautification to the street scape and it is incredibly disappointing to know that persons are deliberately sabotaging them,” Mr Christensen said.

“We are unsure as yet if the damage will result in the death of the tree.”

Any activity that alters vegetation on council controlled land, including removal, planting or damage to vegetation without a permit issued by council is an offence under the Local Government Act 1993 and offenders can be prosecuted.

Mr Christensen is asking anybody with information to please contact Council or Tumut Police.