Mosman to hire a dedicated Tree Cop following repeated acts of vandalism

A precedent for tree vandalism in the lower North Shore enclave of Mosman is being set: where trees are attacked, more will go up. 

What happened: A 200-litre fig tree will be planted at the site where vandals hacked away at two fig trees in Balmoral last year. 

In December, Mosman Council officers launched an investigation into the “unauthorised pruning” of two semi-mature Port Jackson fig trees along Balmoral Beach. 

• The incident follows another, much larger suspected tree poisoning spree at Balmoral in 2024, where nine mature figs had their roots drilled into.

The council has now ruled that it must do more to protect its tree canopy, moving to plant new trees where vandalism has occurred, and hiring an in-house Tree Compliance Officer to investigate suspected acts of vandalism.

Quick to kill, slow to grow: A new tree — located between the two vandalised figs — will be planted within two weeks. It is expected to reach around 3 – 4 metres within two years, however, reaching maturity comparable to its neighbours may take decades. 

While Mosman would not confirm to the Lorikeet the impact hiring a Tree Compliance Officer would have on its budget, at other Sydney councils these roles will typically garner a salary between 94 and 114 thousand dollars per annum. 

Prove it: Tree vandalism is a notoriously difficult crime to prosecute. Mosman council documents say that finding strong evidence combined with substantial legal and investigative costs mean few culprits will ever see a courtroom, let alone a fine. 

As such, more practical approaches are favoured, such as the erection of banners impeding waterfront views where vandalism has occurred. This approach was also taken in Castle Cove, where 265 trees were chopped down in 2023.

When asked whether vandals would not simply also attack these younger, more vulnerable trees, Mosman Council told the Lorikeet that it “does not speculate on the actions or motivations of individuals”, and that its focus is on “practical steps to deter tree vandalism”.

Thumbnail: Mosman Council