By BRIDGET SCOTT
A CRANBOURNE resident of more than 30 years is at war with the council over a troublesome gumtree.
Peter Colthup said he has had people from the City of Casey come out to inspect the tree which constantly sheds bark, leaves and branches which “cover three quarters of his lawn”.
“I want to be able to landscape the front of my house and would like to sell in a couple of years’ time,” he said.
Mr Colthup claimed that the council had refused to remove the tree because it’s still alive.
Manager for Parks and Reserves at the City of Casey Trevor Griffin said that the single tree tree outside the property of his house is a medium sized gum tree.
“The tree is on a nature strip separated by a footpath from the property boundary,” he said.
“Council has pruned the tree on previous occasions.
“As with any tree there is some leaf and bark litter but it’s not considered to be excessive.
“Council is not proposing to remove the tree at this time but will arrange a further inspection and additional pruning as a result of the resident’s concerns.”
The Cranbourne man said he has wrecked his lawn mower during an attempt to mow the lawns and said the issue has continued for more than five years.
“It’s a joke,” he said.
“I just don’t understand, because it’s dying, they won’t remove it.”
Mr Colthup said the leaves and bark from the tree not only cover his lawn, but block the road’s guttering as well as his driveway.
He said he felt as though the council was laughing at him and his wife who is also very distressed about the situation.
“Pull it out and plant another one.
“I understand it’s the environment but it’s just a tree,” he said.
