Photo by Gregor Richardson.
Arborist Masiu Akauola, from Dunedin City Council contractor Asplundh, takes down one of the unhealthy 130-year-old plane trees in the Octagon last night.
Two of the trees that line the Octagon are being removed for safety reasons after a report last year identified them as suffering from root damage and a fungal disease.
Council group manager parks, recreation and aquatics Mick Reece said despite an ongoing programme during the past few years to improve the health of all the plane trees, the condition of the two being removed had rapidly declined.
Sections of the wood from the trees were being offered free to the public through the contractor.
The removal of the trees will be completed tonight.
