Great Lakes Council said  it was ‘‘unfortunate but unavoidable’’ that six coral trees  between Maxwell and Ogden streets would be cut  after the summer tourism peak period.

The  coral trees lining  the waterfront are  identified as weeds.

Their removal is  the first stage towards  a tree-scape along the popular street.

‘‘Coral trees ... are identified as an environmental weed within the Great Lakes area and are recommended for removal where possible,’’ the council’s manager of parks and recreation, Andrew Staniland, said.

The trees were prone to drop limbs without warning. That hazard played a role in their progressive removal  from public reserves, he said.

Councillor Len Roberts said he had been contacted by residents angered about the trees’ removal.

While he was sympathetic, he backed his vote in having the trees removed and said it was a step forward in improving the area.

‘‘The trees need to go and will go,’’ Cr Roberts said.

Replacement trees are to  be planted ahead of the removal.The council would look at all coral trees along Marine Drive and replace them with native species.