By Nicole Williams
TREES in Harkaway and Berwick are proving to be an ongoing issue for local residents.
Only weeks after the Old Coach Road trees were cut down by City of Casey contractors, a Harkaway resident is concerned for the health of trees along Harkaway Road.
Craig Kinder said he drives along the picturesque stretch of road every day and had noticed a fungus spreading along the limbs of the trees.
“When you look up into the pine trees and the limbs, you can see it. They’re being attacked by a white fungus and it’s killing them,” he said.
“There is a huge one and it looks like it’s about to die. I have lived in the area for 25 years and I drive to work that way and back every day.”
Mr Kinder said the white ‘fluff’ had been getting progressively worse during November and could be seen hanging on the limbs and leaves.
It was also killing the pine needles, which were turning brown with the stress.
Mr Kinder admitted he is not normally a ‘tree person’ but he was worried that the fungus could spread if not kept in check.
“It might spread and it might go through all the pines in Berwick,” he said.
“I am concerned they will die.”
“Those trees are a famous wind break and if it is something that is spreading, it could take a lot of character from the area,” he said.
“We don’t want to lose the trees like other areas.”
The pine trees are a common sight among the south east suburbs and Mr Kinder was concerned the fungus could wipe out trees at farms in Pakenham and beyond.
“You can see that these trees are under stress,” he said.
“The trees are a character of the south east corner, particularly around farms.”
City of Casey Manager Parks and Reserves Trevor Griffin said council had investigated the health of the trees.
“Council’s arborist has confirmed the suspected fungus is an aphid,” he said.
“Council will continue to monitor the aphid to ensure the health of the trees.”
