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Three large eucalyptus trees near Mosgiel have died after being intentionally drilled and poisoned.

The NZ Transport Agency said the poisoning and drilling of the trees near Dunedin's Southern Motorway was extremely disappointing.

The established eucalyptus trees had died in the Kinmont Reserve area and would be felled in the coming weeks.

NZTA Coastal Otago maintenance contract manager Nick Rodger said an independent investigation revealed the trees were intentionally drilled and poisoned.

"The actions of the person or persons who have done this are extremely disappointing," Mr Rodger said.

The trees did not pose a safety hazard to users of the Kinmont Reserve or to road users on the highway, he said.

The reserve would be closed to the public while the trees were felled.

"The trees were well established and were a key feature of the reserve area, which is managed by the transport agency.

"They were also being retained in the upcoming landscaping project due to start in the next couple of months."

A police spokeswoman said there was no record of a official complaint being made about the trees.