By KATH GANNAWAY
A HEALESVILLE mother is has raised concerns about the safety of trees in River Street after a branch fell within inches of her children’s play area.
Brookley Scopel is calling on Yarra Ranges Council to make the trees safe, but says she is not asking for the trees to be removed.
“This is an iconic street, and it would be sad to see such beautiful trees go, but my concern foremost is to make them safe for my family, and also for the public,” she said.
The trees are on the road verge, along the fence line of the property, and also overhang the footpath.
“It’s worrying; on windy nights I put the children to sleep in the lounge room because it’s the safest part of the house, and that’s what I’m living with.
Ms Scopel has had the trees inspected by the council’s arborist in the past and says she has been assured that they are safe, despite the fact that they drop limbs regularly.
She said she asks for an assessment every two years.
“I ask for my own peace of mind, and it does give me peace of mind when they come out because they are experienced, but I don’t understand why they are still dropping branches.
“Although I have been assured they are safe, my commonsense says they are huge and you have to ask whether they are just being allowed to become too big.”
Yarra Ranges Council could not comment on specifically on Ms Scopel’s situation at this stage as their tree crews were out doing inspections after the weekend’s storms.
Communications executive officer Tracey Varley said the council’s management of trees on its land included pro-active inspections and inspections in response to an average of 6000 requests each year.
She said across around 2500 square kilometres of the municipality, there was estimated to be at least five million trees of various types and ages growing on council-controlled land.
“The council prioritises tree work in accordance with the apparent risk,” Ms Varley said.
“Requests to inspect trees are assessed at the time they are received.
“Trees that pose a risk to public safety are dealt with as the highest priority, subject to work loads and available resources.
