Northern Michigan shoe tree trimmed because it was safety hazard, officials say [Video]

KALKASKA, MI – A unique Northern Michigan landmark is no more.

For years, a famous “shoe tree” stood along a stretch of U.S. 131 north of Kalkaska, but thanks to an order by the Michigan Department of Transportation, the goofy spectacle’s time has come to an end.

UpNorthLive reported that due to safety issues and concerns for the tree’s overall health, MDOT crews have trimmed the tree and hauled the shoes away.

In fact, there were so many shoes that it took three pickup trucks to remove them all.

“The weight of the shoes combined with the laces, in effect, girdling the branches of the tree which causes them to die. Then they’re in danger of falling into the roadway. If the tree were to die completely then there’s the danger of it falling into the roadway as well,” MDOT spokesman James Lake told the TV station.

“So, there is certainly a …