A New Plan to Combat the Threat of Borers in Perth
Another council has proposed a plan to help eliminate the threat of borers, which have been causing significant damage to Perth’s tree canopy. The polyphagous shot-hole borer, an invasive pest, has had a devastating impact on the city’s green spaces since it was first detected in Western Australia in 2021. This beetle, originally from Southeast Asia, poses a serious threat not only to Perth but to the entire country.
The beetle has led to the removal of thousands of trees across the city, including in some of its most iconic locations such as Kings Park and Rottnest Island. Now, the leafy Town of Claremont, located in Perth’s inner west, has announced a $240,000 plan to combat this destructive pest.
The area has been declared a quarantine zone for the polyphagous shot-hole borer beetle by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The invasive beetle has already infested hundreds of trees in the suburb, leading to the removal of 250 trees to date — including 73 street trees and 177 trees in parks.
Key Components of the Plan
The plan, which was put forward at a meeting last month, includes several key components:
- Tree removal and pruning
- Chemical treatments
- Continued monitoring
- Investment in tree health to improve resilience
It also proposes increased surveillance measures such as trapping and data collection, alongside trials of emerging treatment methods and collaboration with scientific and commercial experts.
The yearly cost of ongoing management is expected to be $240,000. The town has already spent $20,000 a month since December treating affected trees.
If you have been impacted by shot-hole borer in your community, you can contact [email protected].
Perth’s Tree Canopy Crisis Prompts Urgent Action
Last month, a plan was announced for Cottesloe, a beachside suburb known for its Norfolk Island Pines. These iconic trees will be replaced with species that are more resilient to potential borer infestations. This move aims to make the town’s future tree canopy more sustainable.
Elsewhere, a plan to plant 100 native marri trees in suburbs throughout the City of Joondalup has been scrapped to help minimize the threat of borers. Marri trees are a known reproductive host for the polyphagous shot-hole borer.
“In its efforts to combat the spread of this borer, the city has suspended the planting of tree species that have been identified as a reproductive host,” city staff said in a recent report, according to Perth Now.
Twenty-nine trees at six locations across the city have now been removed due to positive identification of the borer.
Broader Impact and Response
Aussie gardening photos highlight the tiny signs that trees are riddled with invasive species. Councils are taking innovative steps to combat the invasive pest that is taking down city trees. There are warnings over common garden products as the threat spreads across Australian cities.
The quarantine area for the polyphagous shot-hole borer now covers 21 local government areas in the Perth region, including Bayswater, Belmont, Bassendean, Cambridge, Canning, Cockburn, Cottesloe, East Fremantle, Fremantle, Melville, Mosman Park, Nedlands, Peppermint Grove, Perth, South Perth, Stirling, Subiaco, Swan, Victoria Park, and Vincent.
Late last year, a quarantine zone was set up around Perth to minimize the threat of borers. It was part of the government’s multimillion-dollar battle to eliminate the problematic bug in Western Australia.
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