Community baffled by vandalism of previously harmed historic tree in Halifax gardens

HALIFAX – Enjoyers of the Halifax Public Gardens say they are left with questions and sadness following the recent vandalism of a historic tree that was first harmed in a 2022 tree attack.

The Halifax Regional Municipality says last weekend a weeping European beech was significantly damaged for a second time, and it cannot say how the new damage will affect the tree’s long-term health.

Haligonian Tom Boates, who regularly walks in the gardens, said it’s hard to imagine who would want to harm this beloved community space in the heart of the city.

“I’m honestly extremely disappointed. Someone’s trying to leave a terrible mark on the Public Gardens, and to see this beautiful tree get defaced again, it’s just so disappointing,” Boates said in an interview near the beech tree Sunday.

“And how can this even happen after the first time a couple of years ago?” He added.

The over 200-year-old tree was one of about 30 trees that were girdled in the gardens in July 2022. Girdling refers to hacking away at the bark around the circumference of a tree as a way of killing it without cutting it down.

Fresh cuts that appeared to have been done with a hatchet-style knife about six to eight inches in diameter were noticed by a tour guide on the morning of July 20, which was then reported to police.

The 2022 vandalism was under investigation by Halifax police, but the file has been closed due do a lack of leads. Police say the investigation can be reopened if any new information comes forward.

That vandalism incident prompted increased security measures at the historic gardens, and arborists were brought in to work on saving the harmed trees that were between 50 and 250 years old.

Police say they believe someone or some people vandalized the beech tree sometime before 10 a.m. on July 19.

Boates said he was baffled by the 2022 incident and is further shocked by this second round of vandalism.

“It’s this natural beauty in the middle of a busy urban setting, where you walk through and see very unique plants, flowers, trees and fountains. And then (for someone) to try to take away some of that from people who really appreciate it, it’s just kind of gross honestly,” Boates said.

Rob and Melinda Shilton, a couple visiting the Halifax Public Gardens from Calgary, said Sunday they’re also left wondering who would do this and why someone would harm a beautiful tree.

Melinda said it’s “heartbreaking” to see the tree wrapped with fabric covering up where it was cut for a second time.

Her husband said the vandalism “makes no sense.”

“Maybe leave a note as to what your purpose is and what’s behind this. Maybe it’s just downright vandalism, but this is not just regular vandalism… I thought everybody would be a tree-hugger,” Rob Shilton said.

Police say they do not have any concrete evidence that the 2022 vandalism and the recent one are linked, “other than it being one of the same trees that were damaged in the previous file, and the cuts also appearing to be from a hatchet style tool in that file as well,” said a spokesperson.

Graeme Benjamin, a spokesperson with the Halifax municipality, said staff are providing the beech tree with appropriate care, and many of trees that were previously vandalized have been recovering well.

“The other trees that were vandalized in 2022 experienced varying degrees of damage and have responded differently depending on their age and species,” Benjamin said in a statement.

The municipality ramped up security measures following the 2022 incident with additional security guards and cameras. Police say video from the gardens was reviewed, but they could not determine any suspects or suspect descriptions related to the recent vandalism.

Carole Thompson, the president of the Friends of the Public Gardens, said in a statement Saturday the recent outpouring of concern and encouragement over the past week has been a powerful reminder that the gardens are “deeply loved.”

“For many Haligonians and visitors alike, the gardens are far more than a beautiful destination; they are a place of reflection, connection, and shared memories. We recognize that this incident has been upsetting for everyone who cherishes this remarkable National Historic Site,” Thompson said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 26, 2026.