A Sydney council has drawn praise from locals for its firm stance against tree vandalism, following the suspected poisoning and subsequent removal of a tree near a popular beach.
Sutherland Shire Council took action after a tree at Oak Park Beach in Cronulla was found to be dying under suspicious circumstances. The council responded by removing the tree entirely and planting five new ones in its place – an act that has been labelled both commendable and a pointed deterrent.
Local resident Emily Maddison told news.com.au she had initially noticed the tree was “clearly dying,” and saw a prominent sign placed nearby that stated the tree had been vandalised.
When she returned days later, the tree was gone – but in its place stood multiple newly planted trees and the same warning sign.
“Trees in this area have been deliberately damaged. Trees are important community assets,” the sign read.
“Council will plant five replacement trees for every tree damaged.”
Maddison, 26, later posted a video to TikTok praising the council’s approach, saying they don’t “f**k around when it comes … to trees”.
She speculated the poisoning may have been linked to someone attempting to gain an unobstructed view of the beach, although the council has not confirmed this.
“They have planted five trees in retaliation that are going to block their view even more,” Ms Maddison said.
She added in the video caption, “The council is so petty for this.”
In her interview with news.com.au, Maddison said she believed this type of response is a strong deterrent for those considering harming trees to enhance their property views.
“This kind of action from the council is a good deterrent against people poisoning trees to improve their view,” she said.
She also urged other councils across Australia to follow suit in cases of tree vandalism.
A spokesperson for Sutherland Shire Council confirmed the local authority takes reports of tree damage seriously.
“Council enforces replacement planting to ensure that canopy coverage is created for the future, in adherence with the Urban Tree and Bush Land Policy principle of mitigating loss through responsible offset planting,” the spokesperson told Yahoo News.
“The council encourages locals to contact authorities with any concerns about potential incidents of tree vandalism or the illegal removal of trees on council-owned land.”
According to the sign placed by council, those found guilty of deliberately damaging trees may face fines of up to $1.1 million.
Maddison’s TikTok video has since garnered over 200,000 views and attracted widespread support, with many commenters applauding the council’s response.
“It’s so great and petty,” one user wrote.
Another added, “More trees is a win for the environment.”
Some suggested more tongue-in-cheek punishments, such as making the sign “bright pink and neon orange just for extra LOLs,” or even erecting a “giant sculpture” in the tree’s place.
“I’ll forever have a deep hatred for councils. But I love when they do this,” another person commented.
This is not the first time a New South Wales council has responded publicly to tree vandalism. In 2023, Lane Cove Council followed through with warnings after nearly 300 trees were illegally cleared to enhance water views in Longueville.
In response, the council erected a large red banner across the foreshore that read,
“Trees shouldn’t die for a view.”
It continued, “290+ trees illegally destroyed. Lane Cove stands tall against tree vandalism.”
At the time, Mayor Scott Bennison condemned the act as “outrageous.”
“I’m sure I speak for all in our community in saying the mass destruction of trees at this scale is outrageous and the culprit needs to be prosecuted to the full extent possible,” he said.
Both incidents have sparked broader discussion around how local governments can – and should – address environmental vandalism with consequences that are both symbolic and practical.
Images: TikTok
