A state interim heritage order is also being sought to halt the razing.

Newcastle City Council said yesterday that the Cooks Hill boulevard would close to traffic from Monday with 14 Hills figs to be removed from Tuesday.

City arborist Lindsay Field said canopies would be lopped first, then trunks removed and stumps ground.

The process was expected to take about three weeks.

The council is felling the figs, amid community outcry, after receiving advice the trees are failing and pose a public safety risk.

But protesters say they will keep fighting so long as the trees are there.

Campaigner Caity Raschke said many people were keen to chain themselves to trees.

Liveable city director Frank Cordingley said security would be used at the site for occupational health and safety.

‘‘We know some people are unhappy about the trees going,’’ he said.

‘‘I would hope that if there’s any demonstrations they would be peaceful and done outside our work zone.’’

Activist John Sutton has also applied for a state interim heritage order.

If granted, it would halt felling for no more than a year while a full heritage assessment was completed.

Planning Minister Tony Kelly’s spokesman said the heritage branch was considering the request and a decision would be made before the end of the week.

Mr Cordingley said designs for a remodelled Laman Street should be completed by December.

New planting, expected to begin in February, would take three to four months.

Eight new Hills figs will be planted in the centre of the street, with the road and footpaths rebuilt and possibly paved.

One-way traffic and a 10km/h shared pedestrian zone was being considered, Mr Cordingley said.