A Christmas tree farmer in Smithfield, N.B., says dozens of his trees were vandalized over the weekend, with many damaged beyond repair.
Wendell Rosborough says someone came into his lot and snipped the branch tips off of softwood trees, frequently referred to as “tree tipping.” It’s a practice used to create and sell wreaths during the holiday season.
Rosborough says while the intention is in the spirit of Christmas, dozens of his trees are unsellable.
"It just makes you sick,” said Rosborough. “You put all that hard work into something and then somebody ruined it in seconds for maybe $20."
Rosborough has continued his family's tradition of growing Christmas trees. But it’s a hobby that had him work long hours over the summer to shape them perfectly for December.
He believes it will be hard to make a comeback.
"You're stealing Christmas,” said Rosborough. “I might not have enough trees for the people that always come and get them."
Dr. Rob Jones, a forest insect ecologist with Natural Resources Canada, says some of the trees took three years to grow.
“You're cutting off a significant portion of the tree, and it doesn't kill the tree, it doesn't necessarily injure the tree in a meaningful way. But it does kill the shape required for a Christmas tree," said Dr. Jones.
Rosborough says it will likely take a decade or so to get the trees looking like Christmas tree again.
Rosborough didn't call police, but will take extra precautions to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
"I'll probably be putting up some field cams, maybe get some pictures," he said.
It’s something Rosborough never thought he would have to do, especially considering Christmas is about the spirit of giving and not taking.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Laura Brown.
