About 50 recently planted seedlings were reportedly pulled up and left in a pile at Homestead Park in Thornlie in August 2023. City of Gosnells staff, including Mayor Terresa Lynes, replanted them, but it is not known whether they survived. CCTV checks described in the news report did not identify who was responsible, and no motive was established.
What happened at Homestead Park?
PerthNow reported on 31 August 2023 that seedlings recently planted by the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group had been pulled up and piled aside at Homestead Park. Mayor Terresa Lynes told the outlet that she and communications staff replanted them. The report does not establish the seedlings’ condition or whether they survived afterward.
Homestead Park is in Thornlie, beside Homestead Park Centre, according to the City of Gosnells park listing. The incident involved seedlings, not mature trees.
Did CCTV identify who pulled up the seedlings?
No. PerthNow’s account says CCTV was checked but did not identify the person responsible. The available reporting does not establish a suspect, motive, arrest, charge or prosecution.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- "Sturdy Seedlings": Strong and durable for long-term growth - These Doug Fir seedlings are built to thrive, with sturdy roots and resilient stems for long-lasting growth.
- "Low-Maintenance Trees": Minimal care required for healthy growth - With 5 seedlings in each bundle, these Douglas Fir trees are easy to grow and maintain, making them the perfect addition to your garden or landscape. Enjoy their beauty without the hassle of constant maintenance.
- "Sustainable Bundle": Environmentally-friendly and sustainable choice - Plant a brighter future for our planet with our nursery-grown tree seedlings. Made with care and respect for the environment, this bundle is the perfect choice for those who value sustainability.
- "Versatile Seedlings": Can be planted in various soil types and locations - create a natural animal habitat by planting these seedlings in different areas, providing shelter and food for wildlife. Easy to grow and adaptable, these seedlings are perfect for any outdoor space.
- "Beautiful Foliage": Adds a touch of natural beauty to any landscape. These Douglas Fir seedlings not only provide a stunning visual, but also create a welcoming bird habitat with their lush foliage. Enhance your outdoor space with this bundle of approx 1 to 1.5' in height seedlings.
Why did the incident coincide with a planting celebration?
The uprooting was reported on the same day as a planned celebration of the City of Gosnells’ record planting season. The City’s Public Engagement Summary records a “Record Tree planting season announcement” media opportunity at Homestead Park on 28 August 2023. PerthNow published its report on 31 August; the sources do not establish the precise timing of the discovery relative to the event.
PerthNow reported that the City planted 160,000 trees and plants during the 2023 winter planting season, about 65,000 more than in the prior year. The report also attributed more than 76,000 plants to the 10-hectare Southern and Canning River confluence. These are season-wide and site-specific figures, respectively—not totals for the seedlings involved in the incident.
Rank #2
- Grow your own Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana), the only native oak species in British Columbia, Washington, and northern Oregon!
- Seed-grown on California's Redwood Coast
- Transplanting and care instructions included
- Trees can provide a natural barrier against high winds, temperatures, noise pollution and soil erosion, all while benefiting local air quality, wildlife and property values — a Jonsteen seedling will only grow in value and beauty!
How do the other Gosnells planting figures compare?
The City’s Sustainability in Action 2023/24 report gives distinct figures of more than 16,000 seedlings planted at Homestead Park and nearly 100,000 native seedlings planted by the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group. The report excerpt does not establish that its Homestead Park total refers to the planting involved in the uprooting incident, so it should not be treated as a count of those seedlings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What did the mayor say about the planting?
In comments reported by PerthNow, Lynes said the City had increased its tree-planting expenditure to expand canopy and support the environment. She described being angry because city funding supported the work, and called the incident “very strange behaviour.” She also said that replacing weeds with native plants and adding shade trees supports wildlife habitat, local air quality and cooler suburbs. These are the mayor’s stated views and rationale, not measured outcomes for the specific planting.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ready to Plant: Healthy seedlings that are ready to plant.
- Attractive Tree: American Beech are easy and fun to grow.
- Directions Included: We include an instructional video on growing boxelder maples.
Rank #4
- Grow the world’s most massive tree species!
- Seed-grown on California's Redwood Coast
- Transplanting and care instructions included
- Trees can provide a natural barrier against high winds, temperatures, noise pollution and soil erosion, all while benefiting local air quality, wildlife and property values — a Jonsteen seedling will only grow in value and beauty!
Rank #3
- Grow your own California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii), a massive-limbed West Coast native!
- Seed-grown on California's Redwood Coast
- Approx. 2 years-old, with a root plug the size of a small soup can (plant height varies and is always changing — if exact measurements are essential, please contact us about current stock)
- Transplanting and care instructions included
- Trees can provide a natural barrier against high winds, temperatures, noise pollution and soil erosion, all while benefiting local air quality, wildlife and property values — a Jonsteen seedling will only grow in value and beauty!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
