An oak tree estimated to be 40 to 50 years old was destroyed by someone who hacked it with a sharp instrument in downtown Ballard last week.

The tree, located at northwest corner of Leary Avenue Northwest and Northwest Vernon Place was found with a ring gouged out completely around the trunk.

The marks on the tree, appeared to have been done with a chisel or other tool that was used in a downward motion. The vandal dug a mark four to six inches wide.

For years, the tree has provided shade for the employees of Swedish Medical Center's Business Health Link office.

Employees discovered the damage on the morning of Nov. 29.

Manager Larisa Cummings has worked in this office for 13 years and said the tree was like an old neighbor. Cummings has watched the tree grow and double in size over the years.

"It looks nice. It's a great tree. It's beautiful in the summer and the leaves stay on in the winter. We are sad about it," said Cummings.

Employee Janet Mount said she was shocked when she saw the vandalism on the tree.

"It's terrible. The tree has been in the community. It's such an amazing tree," said Mount.

When City of Seattle Arborist Nolan Rundquist first saw the damage, he said "ouch."

"It's dead. It's a goner. It's beyond repair. I would be surprised if it lasted through the summer," said Rundquist.

The vandal who attacked the tree damaged its conductive (xylem) tissue that pumps water and minerals to the leaves to manufacture food.

"It almost looks like it was done with an ax. It was something pretty sharp. It takes a lot to get into the bark," said Rundquist.

Rundquist said if the city finds out who did this, they would send that person a bill in the amount of $18,000, what the tree is worth. The crime may also be a felony.

"It's destruction of a tree, public property," said Rundquist.

Rundquist said the tree will have to be removed. "It's done," he said, talking about the life of the tree.

"Unfortunately the city spends money to remove it and put a new tree back in," said Rundquist.