The biggest problem is the tree roots weakening the dam. Then, if/when they die, it leaves small voids.
That’s where I’m concerned. If we let the trees grow the roots work in further. As there’s probably not going to be much work done soon the goal is to minimize medium term damage. Pulling them out makes sense but we’d need immediate proper repairs to the holes and that’s not likely to happen right now (I’m assuming we’d want to pack the holes with clay?).
Eventually the trees have to go as they will be underwater when the pond is finally filled
