Two large Camphor laurel trees in Bangalow’s Piccabeen Park have been purposely poisoned by tree vandals and will be removed.

The trees are believed to be at least 40 years old and are around 25 to 35 metres high.

Malcolm Robertson, Manager Community Facilities and Open Spaces, said it is a blatant act of vandalism that will have a massive visual impact on the park.

“Piccabeen Park is a peaceful, green space in Bangalow, and it has been a gathering place for the community across generations because of the local weir,” Mr Robertson said.

“The deliberate poisoning of these large trees is extremely upsetting and illegal.

“It’s a big blow for the volunteers in the Piccabeen Parklands community group, who work so hard to make the park the special place that it is.

“While Council acknowledges the Camphor laurels are an exotic species, they were also highly regarded for creating the shade and atmosphere in the park,” Mr Robertson said.

Members of the community contacted Council this week to say they had noticed the trees had lost their leaves and an inspection found holes had been drilled at the base of each tree.

The trees are dying and will be cut down in the next two to three weeks.

People who have information about the poisoning of the trees should report it to Council either via the Report It tab on the website, or by emailing council@byron.nsw.gov.au.

The fine for someone found guilty of killing trees is $3,000 per tree.