Parents are worried toxic trees have been planted directly outside their children's school.

Auckland Council contractors have planted 64 white cedar trees along Glamorgan Dr in Torbay.

Parents of Glamorgan School children are concerned the trees are along a footpath used daily by students walking to and from school.

The trees produce a small yellow fruit that has the potential to be fatal to humans.

While an adult would need to consume six to eight fruits to be poisoned, botanist Bernard King says just two to three could prove lethal to a small child.

An Auckland Transport spokesman says the species is common throughout Auckland and so far there have been no reports of poisoning incidents.

"In my opinion this is because a large number of the berries need to be consumed to cause an adverse effect and they have a very bitter and unpleasant taste."

Mr King says the trees are a poor choice for the area.

"What logic says that something won't happen because it hasn't happened before?

"I have seen a child eat a whole onion so a few melia fruits could easily happen.

"Is an exotic tree worth more than a young child?" he says.

Glamorgan Dr resident Andrew De L'Isle is one of many other residents who have lodged complaints with Auckland Council over the planting.

The trees were planted under a non-notified resource consent as replacements for other trees on the grassy roadside verge.

Mr De L'Isle says no trees were ever outside his property, although a white cedar has now been planted there against his wishes.

"We want to know why has the council made a decision to plant a non-native, poisonous tree, which is a noxious weed at ratepayers' expense down our street."

The Auckland Transport spokesman says the aim of the planting is to improve and enhance the tree cover in the city.

White cedar trees, also known as melia azedarach, grow up to 12 metres tall and are prolific seed producers.

Mr De L'Isle says he and many other residents also share concerns that the trees will eventually block views and sunlight from their properties.

- © Fairfax NZ News