Norfolk Island Hibiscus Trees Are Going To Be Chopped Down After Complaints From Neighbors

Twelve irritating bomb trees that line a roadway in Mount Gambier are about to be removed after a woman who constructed a house next to them complained that they were harming it and causing her family to stay inside.

'Itchy Bomb' Norfolk Island hibiscus plants removed due to complaints from neighbors

a small bridge over a small river in a town photo

(Photo : Tom Podmore/ via Unsplash)

Upon receiving a complaint from the woman, the City of Mount Gambier Council will ask the heritage minister of South Australia for permission to tear down the row of trees, as per ABC News.

Due to the production of seed pods with itch-inducing hairs, the in question Norfolk Island hibiscus trees are frequently referred to as itchy bomb trees.

The former convent and the trees, which are both listed on the state heritage register, are connected and located behind St. Paul's Catholic Church on Mitchell Street in Mount Gambier.

Kerry Holmes purchased one of the parcels when the land behind the church was partitioned in 2018 and a house was constructed there.

When she first moved in, she found that the trees were causing sooty mold to grow on her roof and covering the windows and solar panels with debris.

Trees should have been taken care

In 2021, and 2023, as well as in 2022, the council requested legal, arborist, and heritage adviser opinions on the matter. According to the heritage advisor, the trees define the boundaries of this city block, act as a backdrop for the heritage sites, and are a component of the context of the state heritage items.

They would negatively affect the state heritage site, according to the advisor, if they were removed. The council sought counsel on the matter in 2021 from its historical adviser, in 2021 and 2023 from arborists, and in 2022 from a lawyer.

The Mitchell Street Norfolk Island hibiscus trees will be removed, subject to any regulatory restrictions, according to a statement from Mayor Lynette Martin.

She said that the choice had been taken after taking into account the results of an internal investigation, arborists' reports, legal counsel about potential nuisances resulting from tree trash, and the Local Government Act.

Also Read: Can Trees 'Talk' to Humans? Experts Unlock Their Communication Secrets

Itchy bomb tree is a real bomb

Due to management concerns, the Lagunaria patersonia, also known as the Itchy Bomb Tree or Norfolk Island Hibiscus, is no longer considered suitable as a street tree in many Australian cities, including Hobsons Bay, as per Hobsons Bay City Council.

The hairs that are released from the seed capsules during trimming operations are a significant problem in the management of the tree. These hairs have the potential to irritate the skin and lungs.

The gradual removal of Lagunaria patersonia trees and their replacement with suitable trees for the location is a crucial part of the Canopy Delivery Plan.

Tree could rescue through neighbor conflict resolution

Both what you do and what your neighbors do have an impact. Being a nice neighbor yourself is the most important method to avoid neighbor conflict, as per City of Vancouver Washington.

To promote harmonious coexistence, simple attention and communication with neighbors are helpful. Inform your neighbors as you go. Before doing something that can impact them, get in touch with them.

When you let your neighbors know in advance, they can make arrangements or let you know how your project will effect them. Getting their opinion enables you to take action that prevents issues. Think about it from your neighbor's perspective. Keep spaces that are visible to others reasonably clean.