The City of Melville has been called on to increase penalties for damage to trees. The City of Melville has been called on to increase penalties for damage to trees. Credit: NASTER / Pixabay (user NASTER)Tree advocates and council election candidates are calling for the City of Melville to increase its penalties for damaging or removing trees. Penalties for removing or damaging trees in the city currently include a $500 fine. Esther Cole from the Melville Tree Canopy Advocates said a proposal to strengthen verge tree protections was put on hold by the Melville council in August.