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Concerning detail in photo exposes bleak reality for Aussies: 'Warning council for years' Growing calls for removal of plane trees Local residents and workers taking drastic measures By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 03:10 GMT, 30 October 2025 | Updated: 03:10 GMT, 30 October 2025 Locals living in an affluent suburb claim the pollen from trees has made them so sick they've been forced to wear high-grade respiratory masks. Aden Barclay has launched a campaign for the removal of ten trees along Military Road in Neutral Bay, on Sydney's lower north shore, which he says have made him constantly sick since moving to the area five years ago. The tradie claimed the endless microscopic dust, seeds and leaves from the trees have resulted in asthma attacks, coughing fits, sinus blockages and bouts of bronchitis. He says the high concentration of isoprene from the trees produces a harmful ground-level ozone when mixed with the nitrogen emissions from thousands of vehicles that travel along Military Road each day. The leaves release irritating fine hairs called trichomes, which trigger asthma attacks, respiratory irritation and hay fever symptoms, especially in spring and on windy days. Fallout from the trees also ends up inside homes and businesses along the suburb's busy retail precinct. Shop workers have resorted to wearing respiratory masks while working to minimise exposure to the harmful pollen. Mr Barclay established an online petition after multiple pleas to North Sydney Council fell on deaf ears. Even local shop workers such as Muhammad from Agha Grill have resorted to wearing respiratory masks Mr Barclay is not looking forward to summer, where he'll be forced to keep his windows closed while the filter on the fan to keep his home and business cool will be regularly clogged with plane tree dust. Despite living on Military Road previously, Mr Barclay says he was never ill until he moved to Neutral Bay in 2020, when he started getting sick while working in his yard. He ended up in hospital several times, where Covid was ruled out. 'I thought I must have a gas leak in the house or outside,' Mr Barclay told Daily Mail. 'Eventually I figured out it was the plane tree allergens and irritants.' Mr Barclay stressed that he's not asking for all plane trees to be removed, only the ones that pose a significant threat. 'The only way to remove ozone is heavy wind or, better, heavy rain,' he said. 'If it is sunny and still, it grows denser and denser as the plane trees get hotter and the vehicles constantly continue past.' Aden (pictured) insists he was never sick before he moved to the suburb five years ago Mr Barclay says that this dying plane tree has made young asthmatic children very ill Plane trees are not recommended for high pedestrian areas due to their size and potential to cause allergic reactions. Mr Barclay was told by the council that the trees in question 'are a good canopy' for the area which would be impacted if removed. 'This canopy is good for who? It's not good for humans, it's not good for the trees or vegetation below?' he said. 'This "good canopy" is bad canopy!' He urged North Sydney to follow the lead of other councils such as City of Sydney in phasing out plane trees in favour of more drought-tolerant ones. 'I understand it is dangerous for arborists to cut them down when in leaf but I have been warning the council for years,' he said. 'I even sent warnings stating the window of opportunity to cut them down cheaply is going as we were heading into spring.' Mr Barclay's petition has attracted 133 signatures so far. 'We live on Bydown St with these trees in our laneway very close to home. Our two young children, a toddler and our six-month-old, have been sick this spring with respiratory issues,' one local commented. 'I am certain they were caused by the constant dust in our backyard and blowing through our doors. 'My constant cleaning and gardening isn’t enough to remove the irritants from these trees in our home.' Leaves from the trees release irritating fine hairs called trichomes, which trigger asthma attacks, respiratory irritation and hay fever symptoms, especially in spring and on windy days. North Sydney Council confirmed that existing plane trees in the area will be gradually phased out, but no immediate action would be taken. 'However, immediately removing and replacing established plane trees is not feasible in the short term, as it would have a significant impact on the canopy cover,' a spokesperson told 9news.com.au. 'When removals are required due to poor tree health or safety risks, where feasible they are replaced with more suitable species for the streetscape and site conditions.' Daily Mail has contacted North Sydney Council for further comment. Share or comment on this article: Concerning detail in photo exposes bleak reality for Aussies: 'Warning council for years' Add comment
