The Greens asked Dr Cooper to conduct the inquiry, taking Chief Minister Jon Stanhope by surprise. He agreed to the inquiry on Wednesday.

Dr Cooper said she hoped to have the inquiry finished by June at the latest.

''I have been requested to formally investigate the Government's tree management practices and this will encompass informing the urban forest renewal program,'' she said.

''I will be putting out publicly terms of reference for the investigation and at this stage I am currently sourcing background information to enable me to do that.''

The inquiry was sparked by community outrage over the recent removal of trees as part of the Government's annual tree replacement program.

Greens territory and municipal services spokeswoman Caroline Le Couteur said Mr Stanhope had gone too far by putting the broader urban forest renewal program on hold and temporarily disbanding its expert panel until Dr Cooper finished her inquiry.

''Canberra's urban trees are reaching a critical point in terms of management and the approach we take over the next two decades provides a once-in-a-century opportunity,'' she said.

''This is no time to disband the tree expert reference group, and I can't understand why Mr Stanhope has overreacted like this.''

Mr Stanhope in the Assembly this week accused the Greens of suggesting Territory and Municipal Services staff were taking pleasure in removing the trees.

Ms Le Couteur said that was not the case.

''I was also saddened by Mr Stanhope's hyperbole about 'chainsaw fever' and about TAMS staff 'taking glee' in removing trees, which does a disservice to everyone. The Greens have met with TAMS staff and I specifically praised them in the Assembly.''