Reports are that the famed desert tree, which looks kind like a cross between a cactus and a Christmas tree, has been defaced, Via a fan, known as 'Hwy 190," on a U2 fan site, via Consequence of Sound:

"This past Sunday, I made my proverbial yearly hike out to the Tree with my dog to reminisce only to find that some hack and I do mean hack, decided it was a bright idea to take a hacksaw to one of the Tree's limbs - evidently to remove an inch thick cross section as a souvenir. Are you kidding me?"