For Leanne Webb it will be the loss of a companion of 20 years, the constant backdrop to her domestic life.

As far as Lesley Walker is concerned, it's an act of madness to be removing scarce greenery in an area already under severe developmental pressure and critically short of trees.

The giant oak tree's age has been put at more than 120 years. Credit:Benjamin Millar

The Footscray neighbours discovered this week that a giant oak tree that has been growing behind their homes since the late 1800s was earmarked for immediate removal.

Chainsawing of the canopy began on Wednesday, ordered by the owner of the property that contains the tree's trunk.