Treecraft from Orange was assigned the task of removing the trees - a job that was completed on Tuesday.

Parkes Shire Council made the decision on the advice of specialist consultants following an incident where a large branch fell, severely damaging the roof of the building which serves as the Parkes Landcare office.

The building was put out of action for several months until the damage was repaired and new roofing installed.

Initially the plan was to remove only four of the trees that umbrella the building.

However, after determining that the fifth tree could become unstable following the removal of the four neighbouring trees, council accepted the recommendation from Cr Bob Haddin to have it removed too.

Mr Ben Howard (council’s Director Engineering Services) said council officers had undertaken an inspection of the building that fronts on to Bushman’s Dam following the damage that resulted in an insurance claim being lodged.

“During the assessment, council’s insurance assessor also advised that being an area of open public space, it was critical to complete a full audit and review of the surrounding trees to ensure due diligence has been undertaken,” Mr Howard said.

“Specialist consultants from Treecraft Pty Ltd were commissioned to inspect the trees which they identified as requiring significant ongoing maintenance.”