The state government is warning people to be wary of anyone coming to their door claiming a tree on their property needs to be chopped down.

Reminiscent of the notorious ‘bitumen bandits’, reports have been received of teams of people going door-to-door saying they are ‘’tree loppers’ and insisting that a tree on their property is dangerous and must immediately be cut down due to being a safety hazard.

A few residents have then contacted a qualified arborist who has said the tree is safe and in good health.

Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs Andrea Michaels says it’s alarming to hear of people going to people’s homes claiming to be legitimate arborists.

“Anyone going door-to-door like that is an immediate red flag and should be reported to Consumer and Business Services. 

“I don’t want to see anyone conned out of their money or a healthy tree be cut down unnecessarily. 

“Fortunately, we are not aware of any trees that have actually been cut down by these people but it’s important to be vigilant.”

Making a false and misleading representation concerning the need for goods or services is a breach of Australian Consumer Law with penalties of up to $2.5 million for individuals.

Chopping down a regulated or significant tree (trees with a trunk circumference of 1m or 2m respectively) without development approval can also attract fines of up to $120,000 under the Development Act.

Reports can be made to Consumer and Business Services on 131 882 or via the website.