Officials in Saint John are investigating after four trees were vandalised along King Street uptown.
A sharp object was used to peel or shave off the bark in a complete circle around a section of the trunks.
The damage, also known as “girdling,” is irreversible and can lead to the eventual death of the trees.
“These intentional acts of harm to our trees is really tragic and senseless,” said Marc Doucet, operations manager for the city, in a news release.
“While our arborists are doing what they can to protect the damaged trees, we are calling on the public to help safeguard others from similar acts of vandalism.”
Anyone who sees this type of vandalism is asked to call the Saint John Police Force.
The city said police and local businesses have been notified and will remain on the lookout for suspicious activity.
The City asks for the public’s help to protect trees from further acts of vandalism https://t.co/0yZGwq9xfz
— City of Saint John (@cityofsaintjohn) October 27, 2019