LaSalle residents are furious that their tree-lined streets have much less foliage.
33 trees along Highlands Avenue have been cut down by the city because they interfered with sewer pipes and sidewalk replacement.
Elizabeth Bertrand is upset residents were given just 24 hours notice.
"We used to have lovely arches of tree branches all over the street. It was a beauty to see," said Bertrand.
Mayor Manon Barbe says workers took appropriate precautions, and did preserve 45 trees.
"It was made sure in the contract that they had to protect all the trees during the work on the street which they did," said Barbe.
Barbe says the trees will be re-planted next spring, but residents are still disappointed.
Ecology expert Owen Rose says mature trees can't really be replaced.
"New trees have a tough time to root because the water table over time is now diminishing," said Rose. "So much of our surfaces have been [paved over]."
Neighbours have now started a petition to ensure the city tries harder to preserve their trees.
