A MEMBER of a Bayswater tree canopy advocacy group has criticised the local council for considering removing two healthy verge trees because a resident has complained they damage his lawn.
The fate of the two mature melaleuca trees on Bath Road in Morley is up for debate at this month’s council meeting.
The owner had requested their removal due to issues with “root cavity occurring in the lawn and damage to irrigation”.
The council rejected his initial request in 2020, but in January this year, he emailed again and was incorrectly told by a City employee that the trees needed removal.
Because of the error, City officers have recommend the trees be removed and replaced, arguing the advice would have created an expectation for the owner.
But councillor Elli Petersen-Pik is concerned about the removal of any healthy verge tree without strong justification because the City is “far from reaching our tree canopy targets”.
Cr Petersen-Pik says trees planted along footpaths are crucial to protect pedestrians and cyclists from the sun.
Bayswater Tree Canopy Advocates member Rhiannon Italiano agrees with him.
“I don’t think we should be removing trees that are already there given we have such difficulty having trees grow when they’re planted,” Ms Italiano says.
Growing large, healthy trees is not feasible in Australia’s hot weather, she argues, as it requires significant watering and maintenance.
“If we could magically transplant two trees that were exactly the same size and be guaranteed they would survive, then that would be fantastic,” she says.
“But unfortunately, that’s not possible.”
Ms Italiano is most concerned about the way the council has dealt with the request as she believes it sets a dangerous precedent.
“It’s a concern that if someone is given incorrect information, what the City’s response to that might be,” she said.
“They might actually agree to whatever action has been promised in that incorrect information.”
by CINDY CARTOJANO
Perth Voice Interactive 
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