Cape Coral residents upset after city removed trees along Yucatan Parkway

City crews in Cape Coral have begun removing trees along Yucatan Parkway.

"My husband and I helped them plant them, hoping that they would grow, and they did a beautiful job. As they say, they've been here since Charley," neighbor Lucielle Bloom said.

"I was heartbroken. It was very loud and noisy, and I'm like, 'What is going on?' I peek out, and all the trees are being cut down. I really don't understand why they had to do that," said Michelle White, who heard the trucks come by early in the morning.

City officials explained that the trees were in poor condition and needed to be removed, allowing for mowing and upkeep of the median.

"All of a sudden they're taking them down. It's sad because this is part of what this neighborhood is," Bloom said.

The city also confirmed that the trees will not be replaced, as the medians themselves will eventually be removed to accommodate roadway improvements.

"We'll see what the new streets look like with the new trees, but it's not going to be the same," White said.