Griffith Street has become a priority for improvement, but its upgrade will come at the expense of the existing 30 trees.

They will be replaced by the largest specimens of early defoliant pin oaks available and will be planted in autumn when the road upgrade is due to be completed.

Griffith Street links Wyse Street and Albury High School.

An independent arborist report conducted by Homewood Consulting on behalf of Albury Council concluded the existing avenue of trees was in poor condition.

“In recent years, heavy canopy lopping and pruning has been undertaken on many of the trees following significant large branch failures.,” report author Megan Brittingham said.

“The natural form of the trees has been dramatically altered and the majority have surpassed their peak aesthetic value and are nearing the end of their useful life expectancy.

“A construction impact assessment shows that the upgrade of Griffith Street is likely to have a major impact on the trees and that it is extremely unlikely that the trees will remain viable landscape components.

“In order to upgrade the road in accordance with council standards the trees would require removal.”

The council first adopted a street tree planting ppecification in 1875 and records show the Griffith Street oaks were planted in the mid-1920s.

The trees are presently located within the gravel parking area either side of the road.

Road designs have been shown to residents and Albury High School.