THE Berringa Park Friends Group is disappointed with the recent poisoning of 16 newly-planted trees at the Maylands park.
The City of Bayswater was notified of the vandalism in September.
Trees are currently drying out, yellowing in colour and slowly dying as a result.
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READ NOWAn independent arborist’s report, commissioned by the City, found the condition of the trees were consistent with poisoning.
The Friends group, which formed in December 2018, had cleared about 5000 sq m of invasive weeds to bring back river views and birdlife within creeks and helped the City plant the trees.
Friends group co-ordinator Greg Pound said it appeared that an offender committed the poisoning at night.
“It looks to me that one tree in that row may survive and the rest just look dead as a door nail,” he said.
“I don’t know why people would do such a thing.
“I’d just wish they would come down to give us a hand.
“We are disappointed.
“The whole focus of the group is removing the weeds and allowing the native trees that have been granted to grow.”
Mr Pound said there would be further weed removals before next winter’s planting season.
City chief executive Andrew Brien said more than 1000 trees were planted across the City to address the metropolitan-wide decline in tree canopy.
“The trees in Berringa Park were planted to support the Swan River’s fragile eco-system, provide much-needed shade, and create habitat for local wildlife,” he said.
“Trees are a valuable asset to the whole of our community and the City will not tolerate senseless acts of eco vandalism.”
In line with the City’s Urban Tree Policy, a sign will be placed at the location of the now dying trees.
Report suspicious behaviour to WA Police on 131 444 and report vandalism to the City’s rangers security service on 1300 360 333.
The group meets every third Sunday of each month at 8.30am.