A ragged, seeping stump is all that is left from an illegal attempt to remove a Norfolk pine from reserve land on Ocean Road, Ōhope.

Neighbours say the tree had its branches removed in an overnight act of vandalism about three weeks ago.

An outcry on Facebook about the tree has seen accusations flying toward those living directly opposite trying to improve their views.

However, two neighbours spoken to by the Beacon said they had no idea who had done it but were critical of the mess the amateur arborist had left behind and for not completing the job.

They did not wish to be named in a story, due to fear of repercussions, but said the act of vandalism had been carried out overnight.

“I woke up and it was like this,” said one neighbour. The other had been overseas at the time.

The branches and a ringbarked 2.5 metre stump have been left at the site, seeping sap, and nearby residents have been filling their greenwaste bins with the detritus in an attempt to tidy the area up.

“We thought the council would have come and done it by now,” they said.

It is the second time the tree has been vandalised. It was left severely stunted eight years ago after partying youths damaged it by swinging on the branches. It was left at its current height but the branches had since regrown.

The neighbours are hoping the council will remove the whole tree permanently this time, rather than leave it to regrow.

“That’s what they should have done the first time it was vandalised,” they said.

They will not be sad to see the bushy tree gone, as they say it is frequently used as a urinal by campers and other beach goers and, they suspect, to screen illegal dealing.

However, they say Norfolk pines are difficult to kill and could still survive.

Norfolk pines have been a prominent feature of the Ōhope landscape since the early-to-mid 20th century.

This tall, hardy, wind and salt tolerant conifer, native to Norfolk Island, was a popular choice around that time for creating shelter.

Whakatāne District Council open spaces operations team leader Paul Camburn said the council was aware of the reported damage to the tree and disappointed to see this kind of behaviour in a public reserve.

“Damage to any tree on reserve land, including vandalism, removal, attempted removal and poisoning, is illegal. Those found guilty could face prosecution and a fine of up to $20,000.”

He said although the top of the tree had been snapped off previously, it had still been alive and healthy.

“Council does not remove healthy trees,” Camburn said.

Other Norfolk pines in the area had their lower branches pruned regularly to allow service vehicles, including tractor mowers, to access the reserve for maintenance works.

The council had no information to indicate why the tree may have been targeted at this stage. It relies on reports from staff and members of the public.

“Incidents can be difficult to investigate without further information or evidence.

“Members of the community are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to council as soon as possible.”