Betty Rawlings took photos and reported the damage to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

“Imagine how disgusted we were to find this beautiful tree damaged this way. Why do these vandals get pleasure out of these senseless acts?” Betty said.

The council’s arborist inspected the damaged tree on October 19 and reported that the tree had been structurally compromised due to the vandalism.

"This needless destruction is very disturbing. The Norfolk pine has been damaged extensively and remedial action to retain the tree is not an option and has been listed for removal by the council's arborist,” Port Macquarie-Hastings director, Matt Rogers said.

Tree vandalism costs the whole community and the council asks anyone who has information regarding tree vandalism to contact Council Rangers on 6581 8111.