As well as sticky fly-paper type traps in some City parks, members of the public may also see City-contracted arborists, observed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), pruning back trees at Lake Jualbup from Monday 9 January.
This is to assist in monitoring and eradicating Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB); a wood-boring exotic beetle that excavates tunnels in stressed and healthy trees.
PSHB has been detected at Lake Jualbup in Shenton Park, and as a result DPIRD will be implementing prescribed treatments for the affected trees. This can include pruning of the tree or its full removal.
In the event that a tree has to be removed, the City will endeavour to replace with a native tree species as soon as is reasonably practicable.
You can help monitor for PSHB as early detection and treatment are key to minimising further impact on neighbouring trees. Important trees to check are maple, willow, plane, coral tree and avocado.
Residents who suspect they have borer damage to trees should call the DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080 or email
padis@dpird.wa.gov.au. Further information can be found at
www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer