VISITORS to the picturesque Lal Lal Falls Reserve may have to wait for another year before 20 culled trees are replaced, West Moorabool Ward Councillor Tom Sullivan has said.Cr Sullivan confirmed that 22 trees were culled as part of the council’s long-term plan for the popular picnic spot. “The trees were cut down two or three weeks ago which is in line with the long-term master plan of the facility,” Cr Sullivan said.“They were cyprus and pine trees that were earmarked to be cut down because they were unsafe.“There was a danger of the branches breaking off and falling on people.”Cr Sullivan said the trees would be replaced by natives.“The planting season is between April and September,” he said. But local man George Jacovou said residents were not informed of the culling.In a letter to The Courier, the Lal Lal Road resident said the trees provided shade and added to the amazing landscape. “(The place) has been mutilated,” Mr Jacovou said. “My wife and I regularly go for a walks up there and I still cannot remove the frown from my face.”Mr Jacovou said the culling was a disgrace with only stumps remaining in place of the trees.“I do not see any preservation in this act of total destruction,” he said.“No notices were posted in regard to the removal.”Mr Jacovou said he hoped the trees would be replanted soon. Moorabool mayor Pat Griffin said the removal was a part of the long-term plan put together by the Lal Lal Falls Reserve committee of management.“These trees are dangerous,” Cr Griffin said. “There will be new landscaping done with native trees planted to replace the pine.”