Again, we are seeing an application to remove (2) established trees. In all honesty, I don't have a huge issue with maintaining the presence of the Jacaranda since they are not an Australian native. However, an established jacaranda is better than nothing. With regards to the removal of the Blue Gum Tree, Willoughby Council should be looking at this application and rejecting if it the home owners do not have a valid reason for the removal of what is an established native and one that is being removed from our landscape all too often.
Again, there is no supporting documents so we as concerned residents need to guess any reason for the removal. I have a 50yr old jacaranda in my yard, a 30yr old Sydney redgum and a huge old Black Butt which provides housing for all manor of creatures. Yes, these trees can be messy. Our jacaranda is near our pool. Our solution was to purchase a blower to help make leaf clean up easier and invest in a cover for our pool. Of course, if the owners are looking to build then what suggestions can be given. Telling owners that they need to plant a new tree of the same species is not really adequate and fails to compensate for the loss of our old gums.
I will add that apart from council setting up their application process to make it impossible to submit applications without all supporting documents, council should also make it a burden on the homeowner to provide photos and information on the trees that they are seeking to remove. Type, age, health, value for the local animals, etc.
