Fir shame: Tree vandalism leaves a costly and disappointing mess

By Taylah Baker

Jan 21, 2024

Greater Shepparton City Council has expressed concern over the recent act of tree vandalism in Shepparton.

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Over the new year’s weekend, six callistemon trees, which had been growing for more than three years, were snapped off at ground level along Wyndham St, between Wilmot Rd and Roberts St.

As a result, the council’s arboriculture team had to remove these trees.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time juvenile trees along Wyndham St have been deliberately vandalised.

The council estimates that the cost of damage for each tree is more than $450, taking into account the initial watering and formative pruning.

Council’s acting manager of parks, sport and recreation, Steve Wilson, expressed frustration over the incident, saying that it is distressing to see people purposely vandalising and killing newly established trees.

“This is exceedingly frustrating for council, and we are urging people to step forward to contact the police if they see this happening or have video footage from businesses or residential homes,” Mr Wilson said.

“We recognise the importance of council’s urban forest strategy, and we will work to replace the trees and will continue to replant in this area until successful in establishment.”

For more information on the importance of the urban forest strategy, visit https://greatershepparton.com.au/council/major-projects/urban-forest-strategy