Trees that were cut down by vandals were then stood up in their plastic netting to make it look like they were still planted.
Four new trees were planted by the council through the Wirral Urban Tree Challenge Fund Planting Programme along New Brighton promenade, Wirral, next to the war memorial opposite Vale Park.
One local resident told the ECHO: "They have been sliced off from the ground then placed back in the fencing and balanced to make it look like they are still planted.
"I didn't notice it at first then someone told me that had been cut and I went to have a closer look. They are wilting badly now.
"All four of them have been massacred and the people who did this should be prosecuted."
They also added that they didn't think Wirral Council should replant them, adding: "I feel that the same thing will just happen again."
A spokesperson for Wirral Council didn't say if the council intend to replant the trees.
They said: "Four newly planted trees on New Brighton promenade were vandalised earlier this week.
"They were among 10 trees planted in the area through the Wirral Urban Tree Challenge Fund Planting Programme, which is integral to tackling climate change, improving our environmental quality, and increasing biodiversity across the borough.
"The council is currently reviewing the damage and would ask if anyone has information about the incident they report it to Merseyside Police."
