The move follows an attack on 45 gravestones at Wollongong Cemetery last month, which led to calls for greater security.

At the time, 1.5m-tall headstones were pushed over, causing tombstones to cave in and leaving interiors exposed. Commemorative vases were also smashed on some graves dating to the early 19th century.

It was the latest in a series of attacks. Last year 37 graves, mostly from the Macedonian community, were attacked hours after more than 1000 Macedonians gathered for Duhovden, an annual three-day rite.

The new 2m high fence has been designed to be in keeping with designs of the headstones.

The task of removing the trees was being complicated by a number of historic gravestones which had been destabilised by the root systems of nearby trees.

One in particular is the memorial to former mayor Major Henry Osborne MacCabe, who died attempting to rescue miners trapped during the Mount Kembla mining disaster of July 31, 1902, in which 92 men and boys were killed.

The trees will be replaced by lower-level native shrubs. Wollongong City Council said it would retain the area's ambience.

Illawarra Historical Society secretary Carol Herben was confident the council would be careful when removing the trees.

She said the new gate would be reminiscent of "grand old English ones".

"It is a wonderful idea and the design of the fence is highlighting heritage features of the cemetery.

"The cemetery dates back to the pioneers and the early settlers and there are still burials taking place there today," she said.