Perth Voice Interactive

THE highly damaging shothole borer infestation has spread to Robertson Park’s iconic and towering fig trees.

The polyphagous shothole borer tunnels into trees to farm fungus, leaving branches brittle and often killing the tree.

It was first detected in East Fremantle in August 2021, then detected in trees in Hyde Park in 2022 leading to severe prunings and one mature Plane Tree being removed entirely. 

The bug has now spread to nearby Robertson Park, where the three majestic Moreton Bay Fig trees bear signs of white stains flowing from borer-made wounds. 

We asked Vincent council how many trees at Robertson Park had been infested so far.

Vincent mayor Emma Cole says “a qualified tree pruning contractor engaged by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will be undertaking work on six trees at Robertson Park this month to help reduce the spread of the Polyphagous shot-hole borer.

“This will include pruning three of the Moreton Bay Fig trees along the walkway on the eastern side of the park and complete removal of one small Eucalyptus tree adjacent to the tennis courts.

“We encourage the community to keep a look out for signs of the borer and report damage via the Department’s MyPestGuide reporter app.”

by DAVID BELL