Police called and residents in tears as 36-year-old tree on corner of Dover Crescent, Buxton Road cut down

Key points

• Residents in Wembley Downs watched as chainsaws began cutting down a 36-year-old verge tree on the corner of Dover Crescent and Buxton Road, despite pleas to delay the removal. Environmental scientist Adelaide Bevilaqua said residents had asked the City of Stirling to explain why the eucalyptus was being removed, but were told further details could not be provided for legal reasons.
• Police and city rangers attended the scene.
• Mayor Mark Irwin said the city assessed the tree after concerns about its root system and potential damage to private infrastructure, and that retaining it risked significant structural damage.