John Tilbrook of the Tuross Head Progress Association has written an urgent letter to Eurobodalla Shire Council requesting an immediate investigation by the ESC arborist to what appears to be human intervention or poisoning of two Norfolk Pines and what were two very healthy NZ Hibiscus Trees on the foreshore side of Tuross Boulevarde. The apparent spraying of a weed agent such as glyphosate was first bought to to the attention of the Progress Association by a resident mid-year 2016 when the two Norfolks pictured below began to look very poorly with their natural leaf structure crumpling and dying back. All of the kikuyu grass around the base of these two trees had also recently died from the apparent application of a herbicide such as Glyphosate. This latest incident follows in the immediate aftermath of two other Norfolk Trees recently having their lower branches vandalised by sawing part way through the limbs, causing the branches to break and snap off in strong winds. As a result of a CSR submitted by THPA these broken branches were removes by Eurobodalla Tree Services last week. Earlier this year Council also attended to two other trees near the Tuross Head Memorial Gardens that had been vandalised with limbs half sawn. A stunning healthy Norfolk Pine was also "compromised" on Nelson Parade two years ago that saw the tree die completely and be removed.
John Tilbrook, Vice President of the Tuross Head Progress Association told The Beagle: "It is apparent that the culprits have undertaken a further attack in the immediate vicinity of the two affected Norfolk Pine trees, with two NZ Hibiscus Trees also being poisoned, and the dead kikuyu grass in the vicinity points towards the use of a herbicide to ensure the demise of the trees. I have taken some photos this morning (18 Dec 16) and have provided those to Council by way of evidence". If anyone has any information regarding any damage having been caused or being caused to any tree in Tuross Head by means of vandalism, poison or sawing can they contact Council rangers immediately on 44741000. A reward is now being offered for any information that leads to a prosecution.
Above: Two Norfolk’s under stress adjacent to Coila Beach - Note Healthy trees either side. These are the only two suffering Norfolks in Hector McWilliam Park.
Above: Disfigured leaf structure on the two affected Norfolk Pines Crumpled leaf structure suspected of being subjected to a herbicide since June 2016?
Above: Two dead and dying NZ Hibiscus in close vicinity of the two affected Norfolk Pine Trees poisoned and dying with dead kikuyu grass from application Glyphosate
