Yes, the tree is different, but I kinda like it. Technically the tree is the Stanford BAND's mascot. The band is pretty goofy too, but talented.

I'm sure you probably know the story, but since Stanford changed to the Cardinal (the color, not the bird), from the politically-incorrect Indians, a mascot (like a bulldog or buffalo or longhorn) wasn't immediately apparent.

So the Palo Alto tree (Spanish for "big stick", but refers to the trees in the area) became the mascot symbol. Add the Stanford Band's Monty Python-like humor, and you get "The Tree" mascot.