A change in wind direction caused the two incidents about 3pm on February 1.

Cr Allan Comrie, of East Moorabool ward, said he narrowly escaped death when a branch fell onto his Falcon ute. It smashed the windscreen and headlights, dented the bonnet and brought down a live powerline on the ute. "I saw it break off the tree," he said. "I slammed the brakes on but realised it was too late. Then I tried to back out but the powerlines were right across the top, so I got out of the car and started directing the traffic."

Mr Serpell said the tree was not part of the formal Avenue of Honour, which finishes at Crook Street about 70 metres to the east. "These trees are of similar age and condition to those in the Avenue of Honour." The second incident was west of Woolpack Road.

Mr Serpell said that tree had not been earmarked for removal - based on its condition - in the next 10 years, which showed the assessment of trees was not an exact science.

"It also reinforces that the trees that have been identified as an unsatisfactory risk are in worse condition than this one, and their replacement must be considered seriously, with appropriate urgency."

The council has received permission from Heritage Victoria for the removal of eight sick trees by early next month. Mr Serpell said the tree from which the branch fell was not one of eight others earmarked for removal as part of the controversial Woolpack Road roundabout project. "This tree is eight trees to the west of those affected by that project."

Mr Serpell said both incidents had disrupted traffic, but the road had remained open.