Perth Voice Interactive

FIRE has destroyed a 50-year-old-plus weeping peppermint on Lake Street, the sixth tree killed by vandals in six months.

The tree had a split in it (typical in mature peppermints) and the fire was started inside the split, causing damage to its structure. Vincent council staff decided on immediate removal as the risk of collapse was “high”.

It’s not yet known if the fire was lit on purpose: it could have been caused by a simple errant cigarette.

Mayor John Carey has grown increasingly frustrated with the near-constant destruction of trees in Lake and Beaufort Streets, much of it caused by late-night pub goers staggering home.

The council’s tried hard to green streets with various programs: it was the high rate of vandalism that led to the “adopt-a-tree” program where residents can nominate a tree they keep an eye on and report issues to the council.

“It’s incredibly frustrating to lose any tree, [especially] one that’s more than 50 years old,” Mr Carey says.

“I just think it’s very sad, and I have to admit it’s one of the most incredibly frustrating issues as mayor.

“Other than active surveillance by our rangers and local residents, it’s a difficult issue to grapple with. Basically you’re saying to yobbos and drunken idiots ‘show more respect’ and I think unfortunately given human nature some of them are never going to show respect or the community.

“All we can do is ask people: please join our adopt-a-tree program, please keep an eye out.”

The burned tree will be replaced by two younger peppermints.

by DAVID BELL