Alexander Heights, WA: This magnificent gum tree is one of the last left in a suburban street - but has divided residents after a neighbourhood group campaigned to have it removed
- Some residents want it gone because it could devalue properties
- Others fear lack of trees will heat up the area
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Residents are divided after their local council voted to have one of the last remaining mature trees on their street removed in response to a campaign by a group of residents.
The decision to remove the 15-metre tall gum tree from the verge of Cordelia Place, in the Perth suburb of Alexander Heights, came after 11 residents requested council to remove it and two nearby trees.
The residents' submitted 12 reasons why the eradication of three Angophora Costata trees, including the mature gum, was in the best interests of the community in their petition to City of Wanneroo council, including that the older tree gum was 'too large and unsightly'.
The locals also said roots were disturbing walkways and driveways, as well as complaining of bird droppings on cars parked underneath the tree, reported Yahoo.
According to council minutes, the petition also said the trees drop 'an immense amount of leaf and flower litter' which land on the street and create a messy appearance.
The mature gum tree in suburban Perth (pictured) is the only large tree in the street but a group of residents requested council remove it for reasons including that it could de-value property
Residents who want the gum to remain are worried about Urban Heat Island Effect - the phenomenon that causes temperatures to rise dramatically due to several factors including lack of tree coverage (pictured, housing in Western Sydney with small trees and plants)
The trees' flowers were also singled out for landing in swimming pools and causing allergies.
The group of residents also claimed the gum had the potential to negatively affect property values in the street.
Daily Mail Australia understands the council investigated the claims after receiving the petition in February before an arborist found all trees were in 'good health', resulting in the council voting to retain and manage all three trees.
However on April 23, it was decided at its Ordinary Council Meeting to remove one of the trees with council notes saying the gum on Cordelia Place had 'fallen branches and raised paving due to extensive tree roots'.
Not everyone in the area agrees with the decision, however, and thousands of locals have signed an online petition for the tree to live.
Locals in favour of the gum remaining believe 'every tree matters' when trying to tackle Urban Heat Island Effect (UHIE), the phenomenon where temperatures in a suburb soar above average levels due to several factors, including lack of tree coverage.
UHIE is linked to heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion, heart-attacks, strokes and kidney failure.
In the council report it's stated Alexander Heights only has a total tree canopy coverage of seven per cent.
The international standard is usually a minimum of 30 per cent.
Tree canopy coverage has an international standard of 30 per cent for an area. The gum tree in Perth sits in an area where it is only seven per cent (pictured western Sydney)
It is understood City of Wanneroo council is committed to improving its canopy coverage and will replace the tree with a suitable species as part of its 2024 Tree Planting Program.
The council will continue to maintain the remaining two Angophora Costata trees in accordance with its Street Tree Policy.
READ MORE: The hidden danger lurking in this photo of a typical Aussie suburb
Dark roofs, dark walls and little greenery is a recipe for soaring temperatures (pictures Sydney's Marsden Park)
