Trees at Crimea Reserve.
Camera IconTrees at Crimea Reserve. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Bayswater to leave tall Crimea Reserve trees despite residents’ complaints

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

CITY of Bayswater will not prune large trees ranging from 11m to 19.8m in height at Crimea Reserve, despite some residents’ concerns over safety risks and impact on their solar panels.

According to the City, the trees have open canopies and sunlight started to make contact with solar panels from 7am.

The trees have been inspected by the City’s consulting arborist and have been found to be in good condition and healthy.

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Morley resident Joy Nichols, who lived across from the reserve, said she asked the City late last year and this month to trim the trees, because of large branches often falling from the trees.

“A lot of people walk in the park and there have been a lot of instances where the branches have cracked and fallen on people’s (land),” she said.

“Luckily, there has never been anybody underneath the trees.

“We want the tress pruned at least 5m in height and we want the branches trimmed as well because they become dangerous and there is going to be one day where someone is going to get hit in the head or get killed.”

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ms Nichols said about seven houses around the park had solar panels and were unhappy about the overshading from the trees.

“One morning, I was coming back from my walk and the shade was already there at 8.30am and we were not getting any benefit from the solar panels,” she said.

“A lot of these neighbours are fed up with trying to contact the council because nothing gets done.”

Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull said trees in urban settings brought benefits and were valued by the council.

“They beautify our streets, reduce reflective glare, provide shade, as well as habitat for native fauna, and they help manage stormwater run-off,” he said.

“So lopping and topping any tree is not something we would support except in very exceptional circumstances.

“This is particularly so given the trees in question are healthy and the action would potentially result in an increased risk of limbs being shed at some point in the future.”

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