The removal was put to council at last week's Council Planning and Development meeting, after being referred at a previous meeting.
Council ultimately voted for its removal.
Alan Monger, who owns the property next door to the complainant, said the decision set a bad precedent.
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“One neighbour complained,” Mr Monger said.
“Just one person complained in October and we were then told it was being removed.”
Mr Monger said the concern was now people in Benalla were being told a whole road of residents could want one thing, but if one person complained, everyone suffered.
“I spoke with Dean, who is in charge of trees at council. He said they have had numerous complaints over the years.
“I suggested those complaints would have all come from the same person, and he didn’t disagree.
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“At the council meeting we were told berries and leaves dropping from the tree were affecting the operation of this mans electric gate.
“But when he bought the house the tree was there, and when he chose to have that gate installed the tree was already there.
“I believe it is about 30 or more years old,”
“It is part of the streetscape and when we asked other residents in the street it was unanimous.”
A petition with 15 names was presented to council asking to save the tree, however, the decision to remove it was not changed.
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“Council are saying they will replace it with another tree, but I can see the one resident complaining about that, too.
“Council are now saying, decision made - end of story, our right to appeal was the council meeting.”
Mr Monger said the tree had been inspected and it was healthy.
“Our concern is now to let the populous know that anybody can whinge about a tree and if they whinge loud enough they will get it removed regardless of what anybody else thinks.
“Research demonstrates just how important deciduous trees are to the built enthronement in terms of providing shade and habitats for native animals.
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“And the White Cedar is widely regarded as an excellent street and park tree.”
Mr Monger said he felt the cost of maintaining the tree would have also played a part in the decision
“Council came up with a figure of $7000 to maintain it for the rest of its life.
“They gave no justification for that figure but said it would cost $3700 to remove.
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“Despite the fact this tree is in good condition it will be replaced with something that will take 10 years to provide the same amount of shade.
“I believe council is there to look at the big picture and looking at one tree in this way they have ignored that role.”
Benalla Rural City Council has been approached for comment.
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