The trees were located at Stuart Rattle's former Musk farm, which is now owned by Black Mount Natural Spring Water. 

Black Mount's Tim Carey said the trees had become a safety issue, and the removal was "above board". 

But many residents believe the trees were a "significant landmark with a valued 60-year history" and say the extent of the removal was illegal. 

Under council law, residents must hold a permit to remove more than one-hectare of pine trees. 

While the exact area of harvest is unknown, resident Gregory Heath believes it was well over three-hectares.

"I am concerned it was illegal removal, because they have gone ahead without notice and without a permit," he said. 

Mr Carey said he "couldn't say off the top of his head" the area of removal, but reiterated he believed it was legal. 

He also confirmed the trees would be replaced with oak trees in coming months. 

"The last trees were falling everywhere and one even crushed one of our tanks, so it was becoming dangerous," Mr Carey said. 

Hepburn Shire mayor Kate Redwood said council was investigating the extent of the removal.

When reading a statement from the shire, she also confirmed the site was not protected by a significant landscape overlay.

"But if there has been a breach, we will investigate whether erosion mitigation and re-vegetation should take place."

But Mr Heath said it was too late. 

"They are a meaningful thing in the town and the local community here is really shocked," he said.

"It’s sort of left a large brown spot on landscape and we just wonder if they are going to be replanted.

"The owner will most likely be fined but that will be minimal in terms of the value that has been lost."

Cr Redwood added that the shire will review its landscape overlays in December this year, to determine where in the region they were needed.