Some of the trees still looked green and healthy, but in reality, were ruined and would not last nearly as long as a healthy tree.
The herd had plenty of grass to eat but enjoyed eating the bark.
He was "fuming" when he saw the damage they had done.
He enjoyed having the deer and liked to keep them near the trees so children could enjoy feeding the "reindeer" when their parents came to pick up a tree.
Although the small herd of fallow deer were not quite the same breed as those that pulled Santa's sleigh, the children still loved them.
Unfortunately, he would have to get rid of them, he said.
The deer have eaten away the bark at the base of the trees. Photo / Peter McIntosh
It took about four and a half years to grow a small Christmas tree and more than seven for a large tree.
The damage done by the herd would have serious long-lasting effects.
There was no easy or quick fix although he did have some trees coming through for next year.
Since becoming a full-time real estate agent he had had less time to work on the trees.
