The normally serene sounds at Vernon's Kin Beach were interrupted by the growl of chainsaws and a wood chipper this week.

City of Vernon crews removed several cottonwood trees Tuesday and Wednesday.

The trees have passed their prime and become a danger to those using the beach and park.

Christy Poirier, with the city, says seven trees were removed over the two days.

“These cottonwood trees are aging and they are starting to deteriorate,” said Poirier. “Some of them are actually past their life expectancy, so removing them at this point is being done in order to reduce hazards during storm events.”

Cottonwoods were planted years ago at the popular park because, if irrigated properly, they can grow quickly and provide shade on a hot Okanagan summer's day.

The downside is, they have a shallow root system and can pose a falling hazard during heavy winds.

The core of the old trees was also rotting, which decreases their strength.

“They also have have weaker wood, which could create instability in the tree and can lead to potential for branches to fall,” she said.

Several large cottonwood trees were removed in 2020 and 2019.

Poirier said the cottonwoods are being replaced with different varieties of trees.

“They are harder wood trees that are being planted,” she said.