Trees set to die

A VANDALISM attack is likely to kill 11 trees in Dandenong’s Langhorne Street, leaving a damage bill of up to $22,000.
the City of Greater Dandenong is urging anyone who witnessed the ringbarking of the pin oak trees during recent weeks to report details to police or the council’s customer service team.
The trees, near the bus interchange, are likely to die and will cost up to $2000 each to replace because surrounding stone-flow pavement would need to be dug up.
The Langhorne Street attack is not an isolated incident.
Last year there was also significant tree vandalism to 40 trees in Herbert Street, Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong Mayor Angela Long said the acts were a senseless waste of money that should be going to other projects.
“You can’t just slap on a coat of paint or wash off tree vandalism – trees need specialised care and they are costly to replace,” she said.
“I urge anyone who does witness people vandalising trees to report it immediately to Victoria Police, or report damage you notice to the council’s customer service team.
“The council will inspect the damage, provide you with an update if requested and ensure the health of the tree is addressed.”
Cr Long said trees created an attractive environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
“Our residents want more of them, not less of them,” she said.
The council spends about $1,400,000 annually on maintaining and planting street trees, including replacement and boulevard tree planting, watering, mulching and pruning.