Residents in Somerfield are upset after the council “butchered” three “historical” trees on their street.

The Christchurch City Council sent a letter to residents on Moana Street notifying them of scheduled pruning works on three Lime trees located near the intersection of Barrington Street.

The letter stated that the trees would have their canopies pruned to remove poor-condition branches and provide necessary clearances around powerlines.

However, residents claim that the council went too far, and the trees were “butchered” instead of pruned.

Kylie Graham expressed her frustration and disappointment.

“I just couldn’t believe what was happening considering what we were led to believe.

We were told the trees would be pruned and trimmed for power lines, but they’ve been butchered.”

Kylie said residents contacted the council on Thursday, only to be told that the person in charge was unavailable.

“We believe these trees were planted by the residents in the 1940’s as a memorial to those who served at war.

We are upset that the communication from the council and Tree Tech didn’t seem to fully explain the planned work.”

“Previously the council had agreed to communicate any major work to residents,” she added.

Kylie said the trees were often decorated at a Christmas with giant red bows.

Christchurch City Council Transport Operations Manager Stephen Wright said the “three trees were part of a citywide survey (of Condition 4 , poor, trees over 10m) which we undertake annually to determine any risk and tree removals as part of capital programme.”

He said “two trees were assessed as part of our work with Orion to address non-compliance. The original recommendation was to remove them but it was determined that they could be retained for the short to medium term with remedial pruning work.”

Wright said “previously, dead trees were removed from the street and replaced with large-grade trees.”

“Whilst it is acknowledged this has been a shock, we are confident that the treatment of the trees will allow for their retention, albeit in a modified form, and not something we generally undertake unless required.”

“From photos and notes (above) for tree one, we had few pruning options given tree health, form and situation” Wright said.

“This tree had a ‘low pollard’ prune, otherwise removal. Trees two & three had extensive dieback in the canopy and were ‘high pollard’ pruned to address this. Indicated by yellow arrows. Note that these trees had previously been pollarded.”

However, another resident told Chris Lynch Media she obtained advice from an independent senior arborist who described the work as unnecessary and what was done was “severe pollarding.”

“These trees are not just ordinary trees, they are the very essence of the reason why this area has been designated as a special character area.”

She said the excuse about Orion seemed off because the power lines were no different from the entire length of the street and one of the trees cut didn’t even have power lines.

The resident said “it was a shock because they have (the council) mispresented their work, what they’ve communicated is a lie.”

Residents said were considering legal action.