Contractors needed to fell this gum tree after it was initially vandalised with a chainsaw at Napier Boys' High School at the weekend.
Police hope sightings of a vehicle in Napier's southern suburbs can help find those responsible for the vandalism of two trees early on Saturday morning.
An oak tree on the Chambers St reserve almost opposite the gates of Napier Boys' High School had to be felled by council contractors
after being badly damaged in an attack reported about 4am after residents woke to the sound of a chainsaw at work in the area.
Soon after attending the scene, police discovered a gum tree had been felled a few hundred metres away inside the school's eastern boundary and south of the school's driveway off Te Awa Ave.
The gum tree is thought to have been well over 50 years old.
A spokesperson said police were following up a description of a white vehicle seen in the area.
