City of Kwinana monitoring grove of dying gum trees in Wellard

A LEDA resident who based her decision to live in the area due to its trees was devastated to find many large trees dying in bushland near her home.

Janet Menhennett noticed the trees in the Henley Bushland Reserve, Wellard, dying shortly after earthworks were completed in the area.

She said there also was an area fenced off near the trees.

“We moved here because of the vista that looks out over the trees,” she said.

“The view is so relaxing and peaceful.

“We come from England, so seeing the amount of trees that are knocked down here is disturbing.

“We don’t want to see it end up like a concrete jungle. That is why seeing these sick trees is really concerning.”

The City of Kwinana said the sick trees were a grove of flooded gums (eucalyptus rudis), more commonly known as swamp trees.

It confirmed the works were a sewer main extension by the Department of Water.

“The trees referred to by the resident are being monitored by the City’s environment team,” the City said.

“These trees are experiencing an insect infestation referred to as a psyllid or creiis periculos.

“There is currently a higher than usual population of psyllids affecting flooded gums throughout the Perth metropolitan area.

“In previous years the flooded gums have recovered from predation.

“The trees in Henley Bushland will continue to be monitored by the City.”

The City also said tree planting was done earlier in the year.

“The temporary fence identified by the resident was constructed to protect the 2000 native seedlings planted this year as part of the City’s community planting program,” the City said.

“This program runs around June and July every year and involves the community volunteering to help revegetate bushland throughout Kwinana.

“The temporary fence is being used instead of plastic guards to avoid a litter issue.”