David Greenwood escaped injury by a matter of minutes when a tree branch fell onto his vehicle moments after he left it to walk inside his home last Tuesday.
The Diggers Rest resident said he could have been hit by the tree, which is on Melton council land.
“If I was there I would have probably had a heart attack,” he said.
“I went to get some paperwork and next thing I heard was a siren.
“I thought someone was breaking in next door.”
The incident caused damage, including a broken tail light and canopy and a significant dent, estimated at $1000.
Council’s operations manager Greg Wood said such incidents were rare and anyone seeking to claim compensation was referred to the council’s insurers.
“All street trees are inspected bi-annually and required works are undertaken.
‘‘This proactive approach ensures that council can identify unhealthy or diseased trees and treat or remove them.”
