It started with a rumor. A lie.
As many rumors, they were talking behind its back. Accusing it of things that would never do intentionally. And people believed it, and the hatred grew.
In the new neighborhood we live in, someone started an oak tree scare. Someone said that the three would break pipes, and break concrete slabs. The rumor spread. First one, then two; very soon a dozen neighbors took out their oak trees, slash them up and threw them away.
A lie, repeated, and the desire to fit in.
This time, it was a tree, but this is how hatred spreads.