The issue of tree growth in waterfront areas has been a hot one in Bulli of late, with residents complaining of tree vandalism, and others claiming the vandalism is a product of council not properly maintaining vegetation to preserve their views.

Just metres away from where these large pines were lopped is a signposted tree vandalism site, where a tree was killed most likely to improve someone’s view.

A council spokesman said it was “routine maintenance work” by council’s arboriculture crews “in the interest of public safety and preserving the health of the tree”.

“The work is not related to recent complaints about the trees,” the spokesman said.

But one nearby resident, who would not be named for fear of repercussions, said there were much more obstructive and potentially dangerous trees nearby which had not been touched.

“It looks very much like they're lopping them to improve the view,” he said.

“I didn't think that was their go – to act as private tree loppers.”

Along Wollongong beaches from Woonona to City Beach, there are large Norfolk pines which are not trimmed in this manner.