Potentially dangerous wilding pines, crack willows and unstable poplar trees will be in for the chop during clean-up work at Lake Hayes and Arrowtown over the next month.
The project was aimed at removing the hazards posed by trees which had "drastically deteriorated" in the past 18 months, Queenstown Lakes District Council gardens manager Gordon Bailey said.
Ageing and "potentially dangerous" poplar trees would be removed from Bendemeer Bay at Lake Hayes.
"We had one fall about 18 months ago and, due to the environmental threat with the location of the pump station, we undertook an assessment of the trees at that time," Mr Bailey said.
A survey last month showed the trees had deteriorated to the point they were "no longer safe".
"The area is both a popular picnic spot and a risk, should a tree fall on to the pump station."
Crack willows would be cleared from the northern end of Lake Hayes, where an arborist had identified the trees as "very large and unsafe".
Also included in the work would be a tidy-up of wilding pines on Soldiers Hill which were impinging on the "very special amenity", and blocking view corridors and the sun.
"Not only will this work reduce shading on the road, but it will allow the deciduous trees that they are suppressing a chance to bulk up.
"If they are left much longer, they will be a risk to surrounding properties."
The wood would be given to Arrowtown's "Thursday Group", which would use the proceeds from the trees to benefit the community.
Replanting would take place as a part of all projects "where appropriate".
"At the northern end [of Lake Hayes], a mixture of native plants will be replanted to help provide a habitat for the many water birds found at that end of the lake."
Shade trees and park seats would also be provided, which would be funded by the adjacent property owner.
However, the intention to remove the crack willows had long been a part of the council's plan for the area.
"This will take us quite a long way in terms of delivering our plans to improve and enhance the Lake Hayes amenity, which is extremely popular for walking, running and riding," Mr Bailey said.
