Anger over poisoned sentimental palm
A BUNDABERG homeowner has been left devastated after a tree planted by his late first wife in honour of their son was poisoned.
Nicholas Petrohilos has owned his George St home in Bundaberg West since 1974.
In January 1988, his wife, battling a debilitating asthma condition, wanted to honour her children by planting two Alexander Palms, one representing her son, the other her daughter.
When she died six months later, the trees became a symbol for the family at the front of their home.
Mr Petrohilos believes the poisoning began about six months ago, when he noticed one tree doing poorly.
"I noticed it had become brown and some of the leaves began falling. It just looked sick,” he said.
In the past month, the tree deteriorated and Mr Petrohilos suspects more poison must have been administered.
The once lush, vibrant tree is now a decaying eyesore and Mr Petrohilos is seeking justice.
"I'm angry and upset,” he said.
Mr Petrohilos said his two adult children were distraught.
"These trees have sentimental value,” he said.
"Why would a person want to kill a tree?”
Mr Petrohilos came forward after the NewsMail's recent story about another tree poisoning incident.
He informed police and said tree and soil samples were being tested in Brisbane to determine what type of poison was used.
