City of Perth Council has committed more than $1 million in its fight to protect city trees against the threat of polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB).
The beetle, which is native to Southeast Asia, is one of the biggest threats to tree canopy in the metropolitan area – including some of Perth’s heritage trees in Supreme Court Gardens and Stirling Gardens.
Currently there is no known treatment, meaning infested trees must be removed or pruned, the Council said.
Under the direction of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Council has removed 25 trees and pruned more than 30 more since 2022.
Lord Mayor, Basil Zempilas said the City has taken a proactive approach in its fight against PSHB.
“Once understanding the devastating impact the beetle has had on trees around the world, and could have own our own canopy, we’ve ensured staff have the resources they need to help fight it,” Lord Mayor Zempilas said.
“More than $1 million will be spent this financial year and next to protect our trees against the borer. This includes employing an additional arboriculture specialist to support the proactive management plan, ongoing staff and community education, GIS mapping of high value and susceptible trees and 3D mapping of trees to help monitor and detect infestations.
“The team is also ensuring that trees are as healthy as practically possible through soil drenching and stem injections to increase their vitality and make them less vulnerable to the pest.”
Council says Perth residents and visitors can play their part by keeping an eye out for the pest and reporting any suspected infestations. Find out more on the City’s website – Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) | City of Perth.
As part of the City’s Tree Month events, the City of Perth’s head arborist will host a walk and talk on the City’s PSHB response for the community to join in and learn more: Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) – City of Perth response Tree Talk and Tour | Visit Perth.
