$1 million committed to stop tiny invasive beetle’s destroying Perth trees

A hostile beetle from Southeast Asia has infected and killed many of Perth’s heritage trees since 2022.

The polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) has been infecting trees in the Supreme Court Gardens and Stirling Gardens (along with all over Perth) and more has resulting in dozens being trimmed or removed, with hundreds to follow.

There is no known treatment for infested trees but to help combat the issue, the City of Perth has committed over $1 million to the cause.

On top of that, the City has now employed a new arboriculture specialist to support the proactive management plan, as Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas explained.

“Once understanding the devastating impact, the beetle has had on trees around the world, and could have own our own canopy, we’ve ensured staff have the resources they need to help fight it,” Mr Zempilas said.

“More than $1 million will be spent this financial year and next to protect our trees against the borer… This includes employing an additional arboriculture specialist to support the proactive management plan, ongoing staff and community education, GIS mapping of high value and susceptible trees and 3D mapping of trees to help monitor and detect infestations.”

Despite the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development removing many trees in recent years, the Lord Mayor said the proactive approach in the fight against PSHB is helping to win the battle.

“The team is also ensuring that trees are as healthy as practically possible through soil drenching and stem injections to increase their vitality and make them less vulnerable to the pest,” he said.

How can you help?

Residents of the City of Perth and visitors can play their part by keeping an eye out for the pest and reporting any suspected infestations.

Although they are hard to spot as PSHB is very small, about the size of a sesame seed, you can find out more on the City’s informational webpage about the invasive beetle.

Also, next week, on Friday May 24, the head arborist from the City of Perth is hosting a walk and talk to further explain the situation and how the public can help.

Find out more by heading to Visit Perth’s Tree Month in the City page.

Image Credit: Shutterstock