[CTcard]

I read the linked article, however still do not understand the meaning and, or, significance of the Tree.

Short Form.

Stanford University was built on the site of the Stanford farm at El Palo Alto, a large redwood tree that was a landmark on the old spanish trail (Embarcadero Real).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Palo_Alto

In the 1970s Stanford stopped using the Indian mascot.
Some choices for a new mascot included The Trees and The Sequioas. Neither was adopted by the administration. The two, conjoined, were adopted by the band.

Now, the tree is still not an official mascot, but is ubiquitous at Stanford sporting events and with the band.

[CTcard]

I read the linked article, however still do not understand the meaning and, or, significance of the Tree.

Short Form.

Stanford University was built on the site of the Stanford farm at El Palo Alto, a large redwood tree that was a landmark on the old spanish trail (Embarcadero Real).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Palo_Alto

In the 1970s Stanford stopped using the Indian mascot.
Some choices for a new mascot included The Trees and The Sequioas. Neither was adopted by the administration. The two, conjoined, were adopted by the band.

Now, the tree is still not an official mascot, but is ubiquitous at Stanford sporting events and with the band.