These trees have fallen into poor health, several dropping large limbs on the path in recent weeks and will be removed gradually over a staged three year period.

They will then be replaced with younger, healthier trees.

"There are significant structural defects in the sugar gum trees along Palm Ave. These trees are aging and are prone to dropping limbs in drier weather," council's acting operations group manager Tom Steele said.

"This risk increases as tree health declines."

Council's tree management policy requires a holistic approach to tree management in the shire, dictating care, protection and maintenance of all trees to ensure that the community can enjoy a well managed and sustainable tree population.

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However, according to the policy, the removal of any trees is not a recommended practice within the Leeton Shire and "should only be used as a last resort."

"We appreciate there are some concerns about tree removals from community members," Mr Steele said.

"We would like to reassure the community that the decision to remove these trees was not made lightly.

"Careful assessment was undertaken by staff and alternative treatments such as deadwooding and structural pruning were considered but ultimately were not fit for purpose."

Mr Steele said the removal of any trees will be offset by the replanting of a more suitable tree species in the same location, with the overall number to exceed the number of trees being removed.

This replacement program will commenced with the removal and replacement of 10 trees in June.

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