Earlier this month DC Consolidated Investments was brought before Ringwood Magistrates Court for using a bobcat to clear a large area of vegetation, including native grasses, shrubs and small trees.

Maroondah Council took the matter to court after an investigation by its officers.

The two directors of the Dorset Road company were fined $10,000 each, while the company was fined $30,000 and ordered to pay court costs of $4056.

This year the business had been fined $40,000 for not acting in accordance with the Maroondah planning scheme after staff poisoned the trees between June 2009 and March 2010 in a bid to remove them.

The company appealed that decision to the Supreme Court of Victoria, which upheld the original verdict and fines.

Croydon Conservation Society president Liz Sanzaro said she was shocked the company had been prosecuted a second time.

"It's extremely disappointing when people and businesses don't appreciate what we actually have," she said.

"This business may have been trying to maximise their profit, but it's at the expense of keeping the atmosphere clean."

Ms Sanzaro said that while she was pleased with the result, she believed the trees and vegetation had a higher value than the penalty that was handed down.

Maroondah mayor Rob Steane said he was happy with the court result. "The outcome should send a clear message to other landowners in Maroondah that they must ensure they manage trees on their properties in line with the council's planning scheme."

The Weekly could not get comment from DC Consolidated Investments before it went to press.