Man 'Hacks Into 100-Year-Old Tree' Over Car Resin in South London

MITCHAM, SOUTH LONDON — Residents of a south London street have expressed outrage after a man allegedly attacked a century-old lime tree with a chainsaw, reportedly in frustration over sap dripping on to his car. The tree, located on Rustic Avenue in Mitcham, was so severely damaged that it will have to be removed, according to Merton Council.

The council stated that due to the severity of the damage and resulting safety concerns, the tree will be felled. However, they have committed to planting one of the 1,000 new trees scheduled for this autumn at the same location.

A resident, Resina Chowdhury, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that her daughter witnessed the attack on August 6. "She saw the tree being cut with a chainsaw," Ms Chowdhury said, adding that her neighbour confronted the man, who admitted it was a spontaneous act of frustration.

Residents quickly learned of the incident via their local WhatsApp group and voiced their fury. "We were just outraged," Ms Choudhary stated. She also highlighted the close-knit community’s appreciation for the trees, which they decorate with Christmas lights annually.

A Merton Council spokesperson confirmed they are cooperating with police to ensure appropriate action is taken. A local councillor, Linda Kirby, noted that the incident has been reported to the council's anti-social behaviour unit and the local police, who have confirmed that an investigation is now underway.

It is important to note that when a lime tree’s trunk is cut, the flow of vital nutrients is blocked, ultimately causing it to die. 

(Source: My London reporting)