Massive poison elm
Photo: City of Kelowna
A 60-year-old elm at 900 Manhattan Drive in Kelowna was recently poisoned.
The City of Kelowna is trying to find the person responsible for the “senseless” vandalism of trees on public property.
The city says a large elm was recently poisoned and later died at 900 Manhattan Drive. Unfortunately, the root system attached to the trees also resulted in the death of seven aspen trees.
“These intentional acts of harm to our trees are truly tragic and senseless,” said Urban Forestry Technician Tara Bergeson.
“With all the benefits trees provide to our city, the big question when it comes to tree vandalism is ‘why’? The Manhattan elm was a mature tree that provided shade, helped clean the city’s air neighborhood and beautify the street”.
The elm has been there for over 60 years and its removal will cost taxpayers $5,000.
Anyone caught vandalizing or removing trees from city property can be fined up to $50,000.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the City of Kelowna at 250-469-8500 or call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Photo: City of Kelowna