During the past couple of months a recuperation program has taken place to try to save the two deteriorating trees at Maitland Court House, but arborist Steve Watson believes it’s not enough.

“The last time I looked they didn’t seem to be getting any better. And, as far as I’m concerned, this is all a case of too little too late,” Mr Watson said.

The Maitland arborist said removing the pavers from around the trees would have allowed them to be given more moisture. It’s been a year since the Mercury first reported the plight of the trees.

Since then many authorities have weighed in on the debate and investigations have taken place.

Originally it was thought the trees were dying from environmental conditions paired with a severe insect infestation, but in April last year it was revealed the likely cause of damage was glyphosate - a form of weed killer.

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General announced it would implement a program to save the trees including a fertiliser program, fresh green waste-derived compost being dug into all areas of open garden beds on the courthouse grounds and the trees being given adequate moisture.

Work began on the trees last November but it will take between 12 to 18 months before it is known whether the treatment has been successful.

But Mr Watson has his doubts.

“What has the department actually done? I think the trees are already dead,” he said.

“The department should have engaged with the people who know what needed to be done to save the trees.

“If this recuperation program was working then the trees would look better than they do by now.”

Mr Watson and fellow Hunter arborist John Atkins examined the trees earlier this year following a request from the Mercury.

“The department has stopped using glyphosate but really that’s about it,” Mr Watson said.

“They need to do much more than that like pulling up the pavers and making sure the trees are getting enough moisture but nothing like that is happening.”

The Mercury is waiting for a response from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.