Late last year, an incident saw the deliberate snapping of 11 young nyssa sylvatica trees which were planted in 2020 and 2021 along Powlett St, Kilmore.
In 2023, 134 trees were vandalised, costing council and ratepayers more than $60,000.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister said she was frustrated by the destruction.
“The recent vandalism of Mitchell Shire’s street trees is not only disappointing but also expensive for council and ratepayers,“ she said.
“Trees are an important community asset and council spends a significant amount of its resources planting and maintaining them.”
She urged residents to help protect the trees by notifying council if they had information about vandalism.
Street trees provide invaluable benefits to the community and the environment, including shade provision, improved air quality, mitigation of stormwater run-off and aesthetic and economic value.
Council said it would pursue legal action against anyone found guilty of removing or damaging any tree on council-managed properties, including nature strips, parks and reserves, which is an offence.
In addition to legal consequences, council said it reserved the right to seek reimbursement for damages caused to council land, covering removal and reinstatement costs.
Residents can report any acts of vandalism to council by phoning 5734 6200 or using the online ‘Report It’ tool.
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