Anger erupts over council workers' tree act: 'Absolutely terrible'

Inner-city locals have taken aim at their council for what they said was an "absolutely terrible" idea — having contractors prune a large tree while "making no effort to protect the residents' cars" parked beneath. It's the latest issue involving councils and trees to make waves among Aussies, following a whole host of similar complaints earlier this year.

Sydneysiders living in Alexandria, just south of the city's CBD, took to social media on Thursday to question why occupants of Belmont Street weren't given notice that the huge tree was due to be trimmed. "FYI...council is trimming branches above people's cars. Suggest you move your car if you don't want it damaged," one local warned.

"No cones, no letter drop, and no real effort to protect cars other than a bloke waving a rake around," they claimed.

• Sydney man finds out he doesn't own property he bought six years ago

• Aussie couple fear they'll be killed by gum tree looming over property

• Retiree facing $7600 council fine over 'meticulously looked after' plants

Council responds to residents' anger

Locals responding promptly condemned the act, arguing they thought the sight "surely" went against standard procedure. "That is absolutely terrible. Hope the cars don't get too damaged," a woman said.

"No notification? I'm sure that's in breach of protocol," said another.

"Can I suggest reporting to City of Sydney? We have provided some constructive feedback about pruning... on streets, it would be good to log this as another issue. We have been assured council do take it seriously," commented a third.

Speaking to Yahoo News, a City of Sydney spokesperson said crews were "pruning street trees in Alexandria as part of our regular tree maintenance program".

"This work helps keep our trees in the best condition while maintaining necessary clearances from buildings and vehicles that are parking or using the road," the spokesperson told Yahoo.

"Qualified arborists work as a team and take care not to cause any damage. If any has accidentally occurred it can be reported here. We do not notify the community prior to performing this work."

Aussie councils battle with residents over trees

Thursday's tree drama is the latest spat to emerge between Aussies and councils over trees — a topic causing problems in LGAs all over the country. Just days ago an Aussie mayor called on her community to keep an eye out for "dodgy tree sales" after thieves managed to steal nearly $1,200 worth of established trees from a local park over the weekend.

On Saturday, a Sydney council has followed through with threats to block prized waterside views after almost 300 trees were illegally felled. The huge double-sided red banner was installed on the foreshore in Longueville, stating “trees shouldn’t die for a view”.

Late last month, a developer was fined tens of thousands of dollars for "destroying" a tree the company was supposed to protect. Images supplied to Yahoo News showed the 80-year-old English oak tree behind exclusion fencing with several branches hacked off.

In August, in one of the more unique scenarios to emerge, a homeowner said he's worried a sick gum tree in his backyard might "fall onto someone and kill them". But because it's located half on his property and half on council-owned land, the two parties were locked in a battle over who's responsible for it.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.