The tree, which stood on the corner of Smith and Edward streets for decades, was removed this week.

In its place stands a small and slightly uneven cross, declaring that the tree will be missed and thanking it for "decades of joy".

Rosemary Penman, a Summer Hill resident for 19 years, told Fairfax Media she was not opposed to the new development but would miss the tree.

"Summer Hill and Lewisham are undergoing a huge redevelopment at the moment but it is a shame because it's a beautiful, massive tree," Ms Penman said.

However, the cross may soon also be removed as construction work continues on the Summer Hill Flour Mill project.

Under the plan, the Mungo Scott flour mill buildings will be redeveloped into apartment blocks and the surrounding area will become public park land, boutique retail spaces and cafes.

The two sites will include several new apartment blocks and 680 to 1000 residential units could be on offer. Some of the new buildings will be cylindrical to echo the heritage-listed silos that will be part of the public parks.

The Summer Hill Action Group, which protested against the development application, said 94 per cent of the 1500 local residents surveyed in community consultation in 2010 registered opposition to the plan because of the relatively high density of the proposed project.

The redevelopment of the 2.5-hectare site is expected to be completed in 2016.

The Ashfield Council was contacted for comment.