The pohutukawa tree (on the left) at the entrance to the village is dying and Auckland Transport believes it may have been poisoned.
Mt Albert has its own “whodunnit?” A tree planted just a few months ago as part of the village upgrade is dying – and Auckland Transport suspects it has been poisoned.
Leaves on the pohutukawa in New North Rd, just before the lights heading west, are turning brown and the council agency says it has received reports from witnesses of “someone pouring something into the roots”.
An inspection by an arborist concluded the tree was dying.
If in fact the tree has been poisoned, it may not seem exactly like the crime of the century. Why not just get another one? But maturing natives are expensive and it will cost around $15,000 to replace the 6m high pohutukawa.
AT says it is talking to a laboratory about analysing soil samples and, if there is evidence the tree has been poisoned, will ask the police to investigate.
Bruce Morris
