By Brendan Rees
A group of Lynbrook residents are concerned about tall trees that loom over their homes.
The Litchfield Way residents say gumtrees in the street have dropped branches that overhang their properties, with tree debris also blocking drainpipes and gutters.
They petitioned Casey Council in March, but have never been able to have a solution put in place that makes them feel safer.
“We’re worried about them falling on top of our houses pretty much with this wild weather,” said resident and head petitioner Cheree, who did not wish to give her surname.
“A lot of residents don’t even sleep in the front bedrooms of their homes because of the trees. They’re going to cause some damage.”
Casey’s manager city presentation David Richardson said council had removed three trees from Litchfield Way “due to their condition.”
Remedial pruning was also carried out all for all trees in Litchfield Way and they were also treated for bronze bug, a sap-sucking insect, he said.
But Cheree said big trees still remained and residents were “unhappy” with the result.
“We’ve been told by the arborists that they are going to get worse before they are going to get better.
“They’re ripping up the concrete and the roots are that big they are probably under people’s houses now.”
She said residents were tired of cleaning up leaves, bark and tree debris that was building up on their properties.
“Leaves in guttering can cause flooding in the street, it has happened before. There’s obviously nowhere for that stuff to run off.
“People can’t get solar panels because the trees are blocking out the sun.”
Prior to the removal of the three trees, a council report stated there were 17 Wallangarra white gums and one yellowbox tree in the street.
River Gum Ward’s Cr Damien Rosario said he thought it was “hard to drum up support” to remove trees when council officers said the trees could be saved and maintained.
He added bronze bugs had “absolutely destroyed these trees.”
“If it all works out well, those trees will become healthy again and receive the usual maintenance from council.
“If the trees are not in good shape by early next year when the report comes back, I will be moving to get those things removed from the properties and re-planted.”
Resident Baran Aga said he would support his neighbours if they wanted to take legal action against the council, as he feared for his children’s safety.
“I’m scared for the kids when they’re going outside playing, if some trees fall down on top of them.”
The health and condition of the trees will be reviewed in May next year.
