Phoenix Parks and Recreation removed the 2016 tree and issued the following explanation:
Read more:"We deal with these kinds of things throughout the year: Christmas trees, flags, religious symbols. Our concern is these can present a safety hazard bringing them up the trail. They could easily fall down off the trail and hurt someone. We must protect the natural state of the mountain preserves in desert parks."
http://www.azfamily.com/story/33799516/ ... -tradition
http://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/arizon ... 0456-story