South Perth council is investigating after a mature foreshore gum tree was poisoned through holes drilled into the base of its trunk.

Other Perth councils, including the City of Stirling and the City of Bayswater, have struggled with people vandalising trees on public land, usually in attempts to improve views or prevent leaf drop and birdsong.

This tree, as the photos show, is in a prime location between expensive homes and river and city views.

"Killing a gum tree for a view is as un-Australian as it gets," said Peter Melrosa of Victoria Park Urban Tree Network, who reported the vandalism at Ranelagh Crescent.