But the council said there was wide community support for the response.

After several large Norfolk Island Pines were killed last month, the latest in a spate of tree destruction, the council put up signs as per its policy of countering any view improvements vandals sought to achieve.

Moray Rd resident Pat Dryland said contact from the council had been limited to a letterbox drop and a Facebook message.

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"I for one have not killed any trees and I do not know any of my neighbours who would have," she said.

"The council haven't done any inquiries that I'm aware of, nobody has spoken to me.

"The Norfolks, I have no issue with. As they grow taller you can see through the branches. I can't see anyone who would possibly do it but we're getting social media comments (accusing us) which are hurtful.

"We're very upset that council has done nothing by way of talking to us, just simply blamed us, punished us for something we didn't do, and now put up these great big signs that we now have to look at for 15 years."

The council stood by its response but would not comment on whether residents had been spoken to, citing an "ongoing investigation".

"There has been widespread community outrage and dismay at this latest act of tree vandalism and strong support for Council to undertake further tree planting in this location," a spokeswoman said.

"Council will be replacing the vandalised trees, and will keep our community informed as to when ... Once the new trees are established and reach a similar size to the destroyed trees, and no further acts of vandalism occur, the signs may then be removed.

"We understand some residents in the vicinity of the tree vandalism site may feel impacted by the response for signage to remain onsite. However, we are just as mindful that the many thousands of people that frequent this area for walking, riding and picnicking every week have now been denied much needed shade."

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