At least eight more are destined for the mulcher because their vigorous root systems are posing a hazard to pedestrians and the pavement.

Councillors at their meeting tomorrow night will be asked to decide the fate of the trees growing on the eastern footpath between Montague and Verner streets.

However, the report of Council’s Operations director Matt O’Rourke, leans towards their removal.

“Retaining these trees will require an exclusion area to be established around each tree,” he writes.

“Pavers would not be laid in the exclusion area which would reduce the effective width of the footpath.

“Any additional treatment over surface or exposed roots in the form of a root guard or alternate material cover would create another risk to pedestrians.”

He said the trees’ removal might impact on the CBD’s aesthetics “short term” but Council’s overall tree strategy would create a full avenue of trees along all of Auburn St.

The doomed semi-mature liquidambers would be replaced with the far less invasive ornamental pear.

They will be planted on the road verge and not on the pedestrian area.

It is expected to take around five years before these trees become established and realise the landscaping objective.

“A positive outcome of the tree removal in front of the AMP Building has highlighted the architectural features of this building,” the report notes.

“A similar outcome could be expected by opening up the façade on the Post Office and the McDermott Centre buildings.”

In the next 12 months the CBD Enhancement Program will be from Montague to Verner Streets from September to November 2015 and starting February 2016 we will do Montague to Clifford on the Western side.