A FUSS about falling gumnuts clogging pool pumps has three Woodlands homeowners at loggerheads over the removal of a mature tree.
Retiree Dale Edwards and wife Topsy have lived in their Huntriss Road house for more than 12 years.
For the last four years, property owners on adjoining sides have raised concerns about debris from a lemon-scented gum tree in the couple’s back yard.
The tree, estimated to be 70 years old or more, regularly drops seeds from overhanging branches into the neighbours’ swimming pools, costing them thousands in maintenance and upkeep.
Adjoining owners say they have had enough, sending a formal request to Mr Edwards to cut down the tree and are even willing to foot the potential $5390 bill.
But Mr Edwards has refused to remove the aged gum and said his neighbours should have thought about the tree before installing their pools.
“The tree was there long before they decided to put their pools in,” Mr Edwards said.
“They are within their rights to cut the branches back that are hanging over their fences and we have no problems with that.
“There is absolutely no animosity from our side, we just want to keep our tree.”
The City of Stirling has no jurisdiction over trees on private property.
Speaking on behalf of the adjoining residents, Louisa Giorgio said the tree was “too messy” for an urban area.
“It’s a beautiful tree but we can’t begin to tell you how many pumps have had to be replaced because of it,” Ms Giorgio said.
“We don’t have a problem with Dale or the tree, just what falls off the tree.”
She said the group was trying to organise a meeting with Mr Edwards to resolve the issue.
Western Regional Environmental Network chair Wayne Monks said trees could be integrated into suburbia by good planning.
“Remember the trees were here before houses were developed,” Mr Monks said.
“Do we chop down all the remaining trees across every suburb in Perth because they may be messy?
“Let’s get real.”