$2.5k repair bill for damaged trees

VANDALISED: Vandals have snapped and broken trees planted at the southern entrance to Masterton, annoying motorists and council staff. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Vandals have chopped the tops off several trees planted at the southern entrance to Masterton.

Masterton District Council originally planted 24 Prunus serrula cherry trees on the side of the state highway, which were replaced in 2011 with 22 London plane trees - or Planus orientalus plane trees.

More than a dozen trees have been damaged between the Gateway Motel and Copthorne at Solway.

One motorist, who didn't want to be identified, said he was disgusted with the vandals' actions.

"Someone has snapped them all off. It's a real shame. It's just crazy why someone would do this. It was looking so nice along there. It's just so disappointing," he said.

Council's parks and facilities manager Grant Hathaway said about 16 of the trees had been vandalised - eight about six months ago and another eight at the weekend. The trees have been cut halfway down the trunks and will cost about $2500 in materials and work to replace.

It also means motorists would be affected, Mr Hathaway said.

"It also means two years' lost amenity value and inconvenience to drivers due to traffic management required for works on a busy state highway," he said.

The trees would hopefully be replaced promptly, Mr Hathaway said.

"If budgets permit, we would like to replant using a larger initial specimen."

In 2011, the council decided to remove the cherry trees which were replanted at Wairarapa Hospital.

New Zealand Transport Authority opposed the plane trees, stating they would grow too big and would create a hazard to motorists but left the final decision to council.