Councils Deploy Shipping Containers, Murals to Deter Tree Vandals in Sydney

In response to a recent spate of illegal tree removals across Sydney's suburbs, local councils have deployed a range of creative tactics to deter vandals and protect the city's urban tree canopy. After trees along the Brighton-Le-Sands beach were hacked down and poisoned in January 2025, the Bayside council placed a battered shipping container in front of the newly created view, commissioning a local artist to decorate it with a mural of native flora.

This is just one example of how councils are fighting back against the growing problem of "tree wars" in areas with desirable water views. Some have hung banners or "shame signs" to block views, while others have spray-painted "POISONED" on the trunks of vandalized trees. Experts warn that these illegal removals are having significant environmental impacts, with one study finding that a cleared area in Castle Cove is now up to 3 degrees hotter during the day.

In response to public outcry, the New South Wales government is expected to introduce new legislation later this year, including increased fines. However, some councils and advocates are calling for even tougher measures, such as jail time for serious offenses. They argue that the current fines are not enough of a deterrent, as the added property value from improved views can far outweigh the cost of a fine.

To address the challenge of identifying perpetrators, there are also calls for a national database to track illegal tree removals. Experts say that without national leadership, the problem will continue to be tackled in a "piecemeal" fashion, as rapid urban development leads to the "woodchipping" of urban tree cover across the country.