Row of trees on Little Best Street suddenly dying as residents and Wagga City Council suspect poison

Little Best Street resident Malcolm Sutherland said the trees are usually in full-bloom by November, however currently they have no foliage and sap is seeping from their bark, leaving him and other members of the street to suspect poison.

"When you look at pictures of what they looked like at this time last year there is no comparison - the difference is night and day," Mr Sutherland said.

"Some of the trees are over 50 years old and some are just a few years old and they are all showing the same signs of distress, which suggests to us they have been poisoned."

This sentiment is shared by neighbour Michael Douglas, who has worked as an arborist for over 30 years.

"I've never come across anything like this ever before," Mr Douglas said.

"We've got 15 healthy trees that are all of a sudden on their way to dying."

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For residents of Little Best Street, the row of white cedars are vital for providing shade and blocking noise and visibility from the busy Edmondson Street overpass.

Mr Sutherland said he never would have bought his home if not for the well-grown line of trees, and Mr Douglas said it is vital they are not lost.

"That row of trees is the biggest asset that we've got down this street," Mr Douglas said.

Residents are confident the trees can be nurtured back to their previous condition under careful care and they do not want the trees to simply be removed.

Wagga City Council also believes the trees have been poisoned and advised it will continue to assess them over the next few months.

"Council staff have inspected the trees and believe they have been affected by poison," a council spokesperson said.

"This is most likely from spray drift and not a deliberate act.

"Council can confirm it has not used spray in this area in recent times."

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