More than 200 trees are to be removed from a Gatehouse park under a major woodland restoration project.
Among those recommended for felling are 150 Sitka spruce and 61 broadleaved species.
Several diseased trees beside paths have already been removed because of the public danger they posed.
Provost Helen Keating hoped any trees posing a risk would be taken down before a major sports event this autumn.
Hundreds of cyclists are expected for the Raiders Gravel Galloway over October 7-10 – with Garries Park the main base.
Mrs Keating said: “We have all these people coming on October and they will be camping in Garries Park.
“We are expecting at least 1,000 people and the last thing we want is tree branches falling on them.
“The council has agreed a phased job to take out the dead and dying trees and replace them with appropriate species.”
Meanwhile, questions have been raised in the town about why mature trees lining the park are being felled.
“People have been asking the chairman, who has been cutting down the trees, what’s going on,” said Mrs Keating.
“This work is essential for public safety and visually the place looks so unkempt.
“We want to restore the woodland to the tidy, beautiful looking place it once was.
“We had a very productive meeting with the council and we are thrilled they are going to be doing something about it.”
The woodland management programme around the council-owned park is based on a report by Thornhill tree specialist Richard Gauld.
Mr Gauld recommended removal of all non-native Sitka spruce – which could generate timber income for the town – with appropriate re-planting.
Much of the work will focus on sectors either side of the mill lade, which runs between the main street and the park.
Lack of drainage maintenance has made a swamp of the once-attractive feature which is now almost obscured by vegetation.
Mrs Keating, the community council secretary, said: “You can hardly see it now and it’s all overgrown and neglected.
“Part of the plan is to tidy the sides up so it can be seen.
Mr Gauld said in his study: “These zones are currently very wet, with many trees suffering stress and die back due to the conditions.
“Reinstatement of the obvious water channels, with some dredging and bank reinstatement to the burn are required.
“This will allow the area eco system to recover and public access become safer.”
A total of 475 mature trees were identified with 211 trees recommended for removal.
Dozens of deciduous trees, including elm, lime, oak and ash are dying or have been killed by cinder fungus.
The insidious parasite consumes sound wood leaving the tree prone to sudden collapse.
Storm damage has also taken a toll with one tree coming down at the bowling green.
A council spokesperson said: “The trees will be removed when budgets are allocated and following continued engagement with the community council and Gatehouse Development Initiative.”
