Over recent years a number of trees lining the avenue have been cut down, while the remaining trees are pruned annually as to not interfere with powerlines and passing vehicles.

Many believe the trees to have been planted between 1902 and 1918 as a memorial to locals who served in the Second Boer War and World War 1, although research from Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre’s Julieanne Richards has suggested the trees were actually planted for a variety of reasons. 

Beaconsfield Improvement Committee member Yvonne Masters said community members regarded the trees as a significant part of the town’s cultural heritage and had long been concerned about the trees being threatened by severe and uneven pruning. 

“Every year in autumn or just at the start of winter…the community starts wondering “are they going to hack them to pieces this year, are they going to cut them down totally, what's the story?”,” Mrs Masters said.

“The town folk feel under pressure every year when the topic comes up, we must be able to put this thing to bed once and for all.”

Mrs Masters said she hoped the petition would spur the responsible parties to find a solution to the issue.

“When you look at the escalating costs of keeping these growing trees trimmed every year, it wouldn't be too long before you covered the cost of putting these power lines underground.

“We've got to think a bit differently about how we can have the two live together happily - the power lines and the trees - and that's all it's about.” 

Responsibility for maintenance of the trees is currently shared between Department of State Growth, who own the trees, and TasNetworks.

West Tamar mayor Christina Holmdahl acknowledged the historical significance of the trees and encouraged concerned residents to plead their case with both organisations.

“Council supports the wishes of the Beaconsfield community for the trees to remain, they are an integral part of the Beaconsfield landscape and have historic merit,” Cr Holmdahl said.