Adam Carruthers, 31, of Church Street, Wigton, Cumbria, and Daniel Graham, 38, of Milbeck Stables, Carlisle, are charged with causing more than half a million pounds’ worth of damage to the beloved tree.
The National Trust is purportedly the owner of the antique wall and tree.
Carruthers filed no plea, while Graham submitted a not-guilty plea.
Both men donned masks and balaclavas as they entered the courtroom, but they took them off for the 15-minute hearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court, where at least 25 members of the media.
