Tree killers haunt town
WELL-OFF homeowners in a seaside town have come under suspicion after a spate of deadly poisonings.
Locals have dubbed the investigation a “yewdunnit” – because attackers target ancient protected trees lining the town’s picturesque harbour.
Council officials believe the trees are being attacked by affluent residents to give them a better sea view from their luxury apartments.
Estate agents in Poole, Dorset, say properties can fetch up to £30,000 more if they have a clear view of the harbour and beyond. Trees have bled to death after poison was poured into cuts in their trunks. A mystery attacker lopped 10ft from a 75ft oak after a resident unsuccessfully applied to have it crowned.
A 100-yearold oak tree lost its crown in an over-night chainsaw attack. Andy Dearing of Poole Council said: “If we had the evidence we would prosecute. This is criminal damage on a large scale.” Last year Michael Shaw, a member of the local residents’ association, was fined £7,500 after he tried to kill a pine tree by pouring cleaning fluid over it.