Winchester City Council is reviewing the way it protects trees following an incident in which Peter Symonds' College chopped down more than a dozen without notifying neighbours or planners.
The college has apologised to Bereweeke Road residents, who said the felling had removed a natural screen. None of the trees had been protected by a TPO.
Peter Rees, member for St Luke, said he was concerned at the damage to the environment: "These are grave actions and I think we should make our disquiet known to the college."
Steve Tilbury, director of community services, said staff shortages meant resources were stretched. "It's an issue which affects Winchester, not exclusively, but more than other areas. We know there is a problem and it is considered a priority at the moment," he added.
Steve Opacic, from the planning department, said: "It's always been the case that there hasn't been the resources to put a TPO on every important tree."
He added that the city council's position had always been more to respond to potential threats. The number for the city council's landscape team is 01962-840222.
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