Dead and thriving trees around Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River are getting the chop, some without permission from the powers-that-be.
Rose Quirk, of Colliers International, which manages the lake and river shore for Land Information New Zealand said lakefront property owners in Pisa Moorings and some other areas had been trimming trees on Crown land in front of their properties without permission.
She told Central Otago District councillors yesterday any work on Crown land needed approval from the Crown and '' a number'' of complaints had been received about the tree-trimming.
Ms Quirk also updated the council on the planned removal of the poisoned poplar trees along the Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail, near the Alexandra bridge.
An investigation was launched earlier this year after the much-photographed stand of poplar trees on the southern bank of the river started dying and drill holes were discovered in them. It was thought herbicide had been placed in the holes to kill the trees.
Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk, of Alexandra, said yesterday an investigation into the incident was deadlocked until more information came to light. People could contact the police directly or through the Crimestoppers line, he said.
In a report to yesterday's council meeting, Ms Quirk said the poplar trees would probably be felled on October 17 and 18 and the cycle trail would be closed on those days, she said.
''It's certainly not ideal, but we need to get those trees down, as they are a public safety hazard.''
Colliers had also received a request from residents above Butchers Drive, Cromwell, who wanted to top seven large gum trees next to their street to improve their view.
If the council agreed, the residents would have to pay for the work, she said.
The council opposed the tree-topping.
Cr Shirley Calvert said the trees were important for providing shade for recreational fishing.
Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie said he would not support the topping of the ''perfectly healthy'' trees.
