Community baffled by vandalism of previously harmed historic tree in Halifax Public Gardens
A historic 200-year-old weeping European beech tree in Halifax Public Gardens has been vandalized for the second time since 2022. Local authorities and residents are concerned about the long-term survival of the tree following the deliberate damage.
Why it matters
The repeated vandalism of a protected historic landmark highlights challenges in urban security and the preservation of public green spaces.
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.
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