Sydney residents away on holidays are in for a shock when they return over the next fortnight to discover scores of trees have been chopped down on the edge of Centennial Park.

Chainsaws are set to roar into action on Thursday when the felling of about 50 trees begins along stretches of Anzac Parade and Alison Road to make way for the $2.1 billion light rail line connecting Randwick and Kensington with Sydney's CBD. Trees along the two major roadways will also be pruned for the project.

Local resident Peter Tzannes says the trees on the edge of Centennial Park could easily be saved if the government allowed for an alternative route for the light rail line. Credit:Ben Rushton

In a last-ditch effort to save the trees, residents, environmental groups and politicians will hold a rally near Randwick Racecourse at 10am on Wednesday.

Centennial Park Residents Association co-chair Peter Tzannes said the trees – some as old as 100 years – could easily be saved if the government allowed for an alternative route for the light rail line.