This mess (pictured) was left behind by a group of local tree pruners who cut down her neighbour's tree without permission. The tree landed in Mrs Lopez's yard and the adjoining fence was smashed.

She said the group was in the area door-knocking homes offering to cut down dangerous trees.

``They were just supposed to give my neighbour a quote but they went right ahead and cut the tree down,'' Mrs Lopez said.

``They didn't have right equipment and just chopped from the bottom and hoped it landed in the right direction but it didn't.

``My neighbour didn't know anything about it until someone rang my husband and said there's a tree down at your house and we called her.''

Camden police are investigating a spate of unauthorised tree pruning and removal work within the Camden local government area.

The unauthorised work has led to significant damage to a number of homes since Easter this year.

Police believe a small group of people have been soliciting tree pruning and removal works by door-knocking residents, suggesting a range of tree maintenance services and then advising that they have all the required permits and approvals to conduct those works.

Recently, unauthorised tree removal works in the Camden area were dealt with in court and fines totalling $41,250 were imposed upon the land owner and contractor.

Mrs Lopez said she wanted to warn people before someone got hurt.

``I've got two little girls who play outside all the time and have a swing set and trampoline out there,'' she said.

``Thank God we weren't home.''

After her neighbour complained the tree service sent someone back to cut the tree but has left the wood, broken fence and destroyed clothesline for Mrs Lopez to clean up.

All vegetation within Camden is protected and approvals are required from the council before anyone undertakes any tree pruning or removal.

Details: 4645 7777.