These photos were taken by Assistant Editor Ted O’Neil over the course of the past two weeks to show the progression of the work being done in cutting down the centuries-old oak trees at the corner of Highway 144 and U.S. 17.

Photo No. 1: May 9, 8:25 a.m. after the city of Richmond Hill announced the trees would come down.

Photo No. 2: May 16, 8:38 a.m., as workers prepare the area below the trees.

Photo No. 3: May 16, 8:56 a.m., the first branch is cut.

Photo No. 4: May 16, 11:24 a.m., larger branches removed.

Photo No. 5: May 16, 1:47 p.m., about half the canopy is gone.

Photo No. 6, May 17, 9:15 a.m., most of the canopy is gone.

Photo No. 7, May 17, 11:55 a.m., all of the canopy removed.

Photo No. 8, May 18, 9:43 a.m., only the main trunks remain.

Photo No. 9, May 18, 3:30 p.m., one tree is completely down and only the lower trunk remains of the other.

Photo No. 10, May 19, 10 a.m., the trees are completely gone as workers prepare to grind down the stumps.