Residents of a south London street have expressed their “outrage” after an individual vandalized a century-old lime tree, allegedly due to frustration over resin falling onto his vehicle.

The tree on Rustic Avenue in Mitcham suffered such extensive damage earlier this month that Merton Council has announced it must be removed.

“We value our trees, so it felt incredibly violating,” remarked local resident Resina Chowdhury. “It’s shocking to think that someone could do this to a 100-year-old tree. Even if we receive a replacement, it will take a long time before anything can truly take its place.”

The council emphasized: “This autumn, we are planting 1,000 new trees, and we will ensure one of them is planted at this site.”

Ms. Chowdhury shared with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that her daughter witnessed the incident on August 6.

“She was at a piano lesson with a neighbor when she saw the chainsaw cutting the tree,” she recounted.

“I heard the commotion, and when my neighbor confronted the man, he confessed to damaging the tree, claiming it was a spur-of-the-moment act.”

Residents were infuriated when they learned of the situation through their local WhatsApp group, according to Ms. Chowdhury.

“We were all furious—messages were rapidly circulating about this.

“People had an idea of who the perpetrator was, though no one wanted to name him,” she noted.

As reported by the LDRS, the individual admitted to the piano teacher that his actions stemmed from irritation over the tree’s resin affecting his car.

Lime trees naturally exude resin, but cutting the trunk halts the flow of nutrients, leaving the tree vulnerable.

“We are a closely-knit community that looks after one another,” Ms. Chowdhury stated. “Every Christmas, we hold community events and adorn the lime trees with lights.

“Many residents cherish the trees along our street; our concern now is whether the council will successfully replace them,” she added.

Merton councillor Linda Kirby informed the residents that the local highway team has taken notice of the situation and is collaborating with the tree warden. The issue has also been escalated to the council’s anti-social behaviour unit, with police confirming an investigation is in progress.

A Merton Council representative commented: “Regrettably, due to the extent of the damage and safety issues, we will be removing the tree.

“We are coordinating with the police to ensure appropriate measures are taken.”

The LDRS has not been able to reach the resident accused of the tree vandalism.