The trees were removed because their roots were damaging the footpath between Perkins and Brown streets and underground pipes, a Newcastle City Council spokeswoman said.

However, some residents were sceptical.

Perkins Street resident Fee Drelincourt was one of a number of residents who watched in horror as the trees were felled.

She said residents were given little warning by the council, which posted letters last week.

"It just seems so rushed," Ms Drelincourt said.

"A poster on the trees said it was because of damage to the footpath . . . [a council employee] said it was because of stormwater drains."

Ms Drelincourt said the value of the trees was "greatly underestimated" because they provided a much-needed green canopy in the city.

"Some residents were saying these trees could be 30 or 50 years old and they're just being lopped down," she said.

A council spokeswoman said the trees had to be removed.

"The trees' roots were lifting the footpath, making it quite dangerous," the spokeswoman said. "Unfortunately, they had to go."

She said the footpath was being replaced and the kerb extended.

"It will make pedestrian access better and safer," she said.

The trees will be replaced with two similar trees.

Some Laman Street residents are fighting to save a number of Hills fig trees that the council wanted removed last year.

The council will reconsider its decision to remove those trees at its May meeting.