To many, the killings are confusing because Australians famously love bushland.

The poetry of Banjo Patterson and Henry Lawson, quasi-national anthem Home Among the Gum Trees, the adventures of Skippy the Bush Kangaroo: an admiration and wary respect for the bush has long defined the country's culture and identity.

"It's in Australia's DNA," says Mr Megna.

Urban bushland is a haven for wildlife, beautifies suburbs and has marked mental health benefits. And as climate change and pollution increasingly heat the nation's cities, it acts as both their lungs and their shade.

All the locations where these dramatic tree culls have occurred are coveted precisely for these reasons.

Some people suggest the fire risk that thick bushland poses could be driving the behaviour.

But the councillors the BBC spoke to are unanimous: "We should call a spade a spade… It's an increased sense of personal entitlement," says Ms Corrigan.

"That sense that… 'I have paid for this view'. Rather than 'I have paid for this house'."

Councils in the state of New South Wales can issue fines up to A$3,000 ($1,955; £1,565) for individuals and A$6,000 for companies. That climbs up to A$5m for individuals or companies they pursue through the courts.

But local governments say that while the motive is plain and the culprits are often obvious, making them pay is another story.

Councils must build a case against the suspected slashers themselves, which is difficult and costly, given they aren't investigative bodies.

Police help where they can, but prosecutions are often near impossible and almost pointless. Ultimately, there are few convictions, and penalties are so low people shrug them off.

According to the New South Wales Land and Environment Court, 90 cases of unlawful clearing have been prosecuted in the state over the past five years. The top penalty in that period was A$348,000, for a farmer who cut down 5 sq km (1.9 sq miles) of vegetation - an area almost double the size of Sydney's main business district.

The regulations pale in comparison to those in countries like the UK, where in 2023 the government introduced uncapped fines and jail time for anyone illegally felling trees.

"People are paying between A$3m and A$8m for some of these houses - maybe more," says Bill.

"Paying some turkey A$10,000 to cut down a few trees is nothing, and paying the council a fine is probably nothing as well."