Source : Perth Now news
A Morley resident is fed up with the “seasonal leaves” falling from a city-owned verge tree and wants it to be removed.
However, the 9m-tall Liquidambar verge tree isn’t actually located on the applicant’s verge.
The City of Bayswater’s officers’ report states that while the applicant resides at Elstead Way, Morley, the subject tree is located on the verge adjacent to the applicant’s residence on Elstead Way, Morley.
“The request therefore relates to a tree located approximately two properties, or 50m, from the applicant’s residence,” the officers’ report states.
It was reported that the owner and occupier of the home on the verge in which the tree in question is situated, subsequently advised the city that they did not object to council considering the request for removal.
The officers noted that no concerns were raised regarding the tree’s health, structure, safety, or impacts on their property.
The basis of the request is about seasonal leaf litter and associated maintenance requests.
“The applicant has advised that leaves from the tree during the autumn fall period are carried by wind onto the street and nearby properties,” the report states.
“This includes impacting both front and back yards on a daily basis. They have also stated that the city’s drainage is regularly blocked by leaves requiring maintenance.
“The city has responded by providing additional road sweeping and attending to drains when reported. This service will continue in future if the tree is retained.“
The officers’ report acknowledged the applicant’s concerns but said the impacts are considered a “normal characteristic of a healthy deciduous street tree and do not satisfy the city’s criteria for removal”.
According to the city’s Urban Tree Planting and Maintenance Policy, the tree “does not satisfy” any of the policy removal criteria including decline, unacceptable risk, significant infrastructure damage, disease, or safety concerns.
The city also noted that the tree contributes to foraging opportunities for local fauna.
“Liquidambar fruit and seed are known to be utilised by endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoos and vulnerable Forest red-tailed black cockatoos, particularly during periods when preferred native food sources are limited,” the officers’ report states.
“While not a primary food source species, retention of established canopy trees that provide supplementary foraging resources contribute to the ecological value of the urban forest and support broader biodiversity outcomes.”
Alannah Fellows, who inspected the tree on June 15, said the tree is in “fair health and good condition, exhibiting a well-formed structure with healthy foliage and no visible signs of stress or decline” and recommended the tree be retained.
Council are expected to make their decision on the fate of the tree at their meeting on August 25.
