Old oak trees removed

GOING, GOING ... : Arborists work on the last tree to be removed from Oakland Ave.PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

Seven of Oakland Ave's much-loved trees have been removed because they were in poor condition.

Over the past few days arborists have been carefully removing the oaks from the St John's Hill street.

Claire Lilley from Whanganui District Council said the work followed on from the removal of several trees last year.

"This work is part of a five-year plan that the residents [of Oakland Ave] are fully aware of." Most of the trees were dying, with large dead sections throughout the crown, and one tree was removed for structural reasons.

Ms Lilley said the residents were sent letters before Christmas, informing them of the works.

She said some of the trees would be replaced.

The seven oaks were earmarked for removal at least four years ago, but many street residents did not want any of the 100-year-old trees removed.