The hidden health threat that might be lurking in your leafy streets

When Aden Barclay first moved to his Neutral Bay home five years ago, he was convinced he had a gas leak.

The mysterious respiratory symptoms that plagued him for months—the breathlessness, the coughing fits, the sleepless nights spent worrying about what was making him so unwell—seemed to point to something seriously wrong with his new place.

'I honestly didn't know what it was so I started to panic, I couldn't sleep at night,' the frustrated resident told 9news.com.au.

It wasn't until he noticed the fine white dust coating everything around his property that the penny dropped. Those towering plane trees lining Military Road weren't just providing shade—they were making him sick.

The science behind the symptoms

While many assume plane tree pollen causes hay fever-like symptoms, scientific research reveals the real culprit is likely the fine spiky 'hairs' called trichomes that cover the back of plane tree leaves. These microscopic irritants are inhaled and may constitute a respiratory irritant, according to peer-reviewed research conducted in Sydney.

Each plane tree produces an average of 300 fruits containing between 6 to 14 million fibres per year - a staggering amount of airborne material that can affect entire neighbourhoods. These minute, hairy fibres can lodge in the airway, irritate eyes and exacerbate hayfever symptoms.

The research is both reassuring and concerning. A comprehensive Sydney study found that only 23.4 per cent of people tested were actually allergic to plane tree pollen, suggesting many symptoms may be caused by physical irritation rather than true allergic reactions. However, for those affected, the impact on daily life can be severe.

A problem spreading across Australia

Barclay isn't alone in his suffering. In Perth, a council horticulturist reported that what started as an occasional cough 20 years ago has progressively worsened to constant throat clearing and dry cough as more plane trees were planted.

Melbourne's inner suburbs are experiencing similar issues, with plane trees adding to seasonal allergy and respiratory conditions.

The problem is particularly acute for people who work outdoors or live in densely planted areas. Muhammad at Neutral Bay's Agha Grill has taken to wearing a respirator mask while working, highlighting just how challenging the conditions have become for some residents.

The timing dilemma

Elevated concentrations of trichomes and achene fibres occur from September to December and August to October respectively - precisely when many Australians want to open their windows and enjoy the warmer weather. For Barclay, this means his home becomes a sealed environment during what should be the most pleasant months of the year.

'I can't leave my windows open in summer and the filter on the fan I uses to keep his home and business cool is constantly clogged with plane tree dust,' he explained.

The double-edged environmental sword

Ironically, these trees were originally planted to improve urban air quality. Plane trees are great urban trees since they are pollution-tolerant, which made them popular choices for busy city streets throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, plane trees also emit isoprene, a volatile organic compound that can react with car exhaust in hot weather to create ground-level ozone—actually worsening air quality during Sydney's increasingly frequent heatwaves.

'They're just a waste of space, they actually contribute to the pollution rather than stopping it, it's ridiculous,' Barclay argues, though environmental scientists would note the trees do provide other benefits including carbon sequestration and urban cooling.

Council caught between competing interests

The issue has become politicised between residents and councils, fuelled by the fact that accurate and locally-relevant information on the health risks posed by plane trees is scarce.

North Sydney Council has acknowledged the problem exists but maintains that wholesale removal isn't feasible. A council spokesperson explained that while they've stopped planting new plane trees and will 'gradually phase out existing plane trees,' immediate removal would significantly impact the area's tree canopy cover.

Sydney City Council announced in 2023 that plane trees would be phased out, though primarily due to their vulnerability to drought rather than health concerns. The trees that need removal due to poor health or safety risks will be replaced with more climate-resilient species.

Alternative solutions and hope ahead

Indoor air purifiers can help remove the microscopic fibres before they're inhaled, offering some relief for affected residents. However, attempts to reduce the trees' fibre shedding have thus far failed.

The good news is that replacement trees are already being selected and tested. Native Australian species that are better adapted to our climate and less likely to cause respiratory issues are being trialled across various councils.

Barclay's petition may have attracted nearly 100 signatures, but the broader solution will likely require patience as councils balance community health concerns with environmental needs and practical constraints.

Your voice matters

While the science is still evolving and councils are working through complex replacement strategies, affected residents shouldn't suffer in silence. Document your symptoms, speak to your GP about respiratory issues that coincide with plane tree seasons, and engage with local council consultations about urban forest planning.

Have you noticed respiratory symptoms that seem to worsen around certain trees in your neighbourhood? What practical solutions have you found that help during the dusty months? Share your experiences and tips with fellow readers below—your insights could help others who are struggling with similar issues.