Pat,
Having never played the hole, and thus not being able to specifically answer the question, I would like to throw out that the hole is completely original in the sense that it is the only true cape hole (at least of which I am aware) with such a hazard.
Taking out the trees would make the hole unoriginal.
Surely it would not deteriorate from the spectacular setting and hole, but why change something pure and original, done by the hand of one of the most famous architects ever?
Until I have played the hole, I cannot say it is strategically better with or without the trees.
Yet, I think the holes originality, not to mention the beauty of the cypress trees rarely found in other parts of the world, would only add to the holes greatness and uniqueness, not the opposite.
Cheers,
Jordan