Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will remove 47 trees from Beacon Point Road more than two years after they were poisoned.

The removal of the poisoned poplar trees will begin on Monday (June 17) and is expected to cost around $20,000.

The person responsible for the poisoning has not been identified, QLDC media and channels advisor Sam White told the Wānaka App.

The council’s investigation “was effectively closed after we were unable to obtain sufficient evidence to take further enforcement action”, he said.

The investigation found that one of the trees within the group had drill or auger holes in it.

“...Our arborist concluded it’s likely that the other trees around the drilled one were in decline as a result of either the use of a specific herbicide such as one that could be painted onto bark, or because the neighbouring trees grafted their roots together naturally over time and have thereby all been affected by herbicide administered by drilling a single tree,” Sam said.

The trees are at the northern end of Beacon Point Road, metres from the beach and a walking track.

QLDC said they were now being removed because they posed a safety risk to track users.

There will be a temporary road closure for four days from Monday while the trees are removed.

“We’d appreciate any further info regarding the poisoning of these trees on Beacon Point Road and any others across the district,” Sam said. 

“We take damage, vandalism and unauthorised removal of public trees very seriously. We will continue to investigate and enforce under the appropriate legislation and refer matters to the police where appropriate.”

“Anyone noticing suspicious activity is encouraged to report it to QLDC customer services so it can be properly investigated.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App