Renter fumes after 'little bit of pruning' ends in major backyard change
The incident has highlighted a sometimes 'devastating' issue for renters who seek a vibrant garden space.
An Australian renter was shocked after coming home from a long day of work to find the "little bit of tree pruning" their landlord warned them about actually involved the complete removal of a beloved mango tree in their yard.
"[It's] a bit of a shock," the renter said online, completely puzzled by the move.
Not only is their yard now visibly different but the renter also claimed the tree's absence has now impacted the temperature of their home as there is no shade from where the "fully loaded" fruit tree once stood. The tree has been cut down to a mere stump and the "birds have disappeared" as there is no habitat or food source available.
The incident occurred in southeast Queensland and while the exact location is unknown, it has pulled renting rights into the spotlight with the tenant confessing how disheartened they were by the lack of input or control over the matter.
"[There's] not a lot one can do about it being a rental," they complained.
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Aussies 'devastated' by tree removal in backyard
After the tenant shared their disappointment on social media, many Aussies admitted they would feel similar if it were to happen to them.
"What a damn shame so many people can't see the value of the trees and birds!" one person wrote, while many others admitted they too would feel "devastated". One man who could relate to the tenant's experience confessed he broke his rental agreement after his landlord chopped down several trees in the front yard of the property they were leasing.
"Our yard went from a cool, secluded tropical oasis to barren dirt on a busy road," they said. "I sent the real estate a letter stating that I moved into the property because of the front yard, and because of the drastic changes the owner had made during my contract, I would be leaving."
While the responsibility of major tree maintenance on rental properties falls to landlords, this can leave tenants open to significant changes to their homes without it being their decision.
Trees protected across Australia
While it can be assumed there was no wrongdoing by the landlord in this instance, tree removal is a serious offence in Australia if not carried out correctly, with state and federal laws in place to protect trees and stop needless removal that can threaten the country's biodiversity.
Even on private land, homeowners often require permits or council approval before work is carried out and substantial penalties can apply if rules aren't followed.
Specific tree species are even more protected if they are considered to be 'unique landscape character' — such as mango trees above a certain size in parts of the Brisbane City Council area.
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