Drivers should expect delays today through Wednesday while workers remove a decaying parkia tree at Foster Botanical Garden.

Removal work will begin tomorrow on the tree near Vineyard Boulevard between Nu'uanu Avenue and the Maunakea gate, city officials said yesterday.

An independent arborist determined that the tree has substantial decay, city officials said.

The findings were confirmed by the state Urban Forestry Division's horticulturist and arborist. The tree's canopy overhangs all six lanes of Vineyard Boulevard and city Department of Parks and Recreation offices.

The city has obtained a street use permit to close the road and will have an off-duty police officer on hand to assist with traffic control. Parking in the area of the tree removal also will be restricted.

A new tree will not be replanted in the same site, the city said, because the location is not conducive to replanting.

But a replacement tree will be planted in the Foster Botanical Garden.