The cutting down of old beech tree at Old Heath Recreation Ground, Colchester, has upset residents and passers-by.
But according to Keith Nicholson, Colchester Council's head of leisure services, the century-old beech tree had to go on safety grounds.
He said: "The tree was suffering from stress and getting old. Earlier this year quite a large branch fell from it. Beech trees grow and look healthy, and then suddenly can go into decline and have a habit of dropping large branches.
"We had the tree inspected and it was agreed it had to be felled for safety's sake."
Mr Nicholson added: "Beech trees cannot be reduced and regrow and that is a shame."
A bus passenger who saw the tree being cut as she went by the recreation ground, phoned the Gazette to say: "I am absolutely aghast, many of us have grown up with these trees."
The woman, who did not want to be named, added: "They are one of the sights of Colchester. People on the bus with me were nearly in tears when they saw what was happening."
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