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CENTRE — A spokesperson from the Arkansas-based corporate office of Walmart told The Post there is no truth to rumors that complaints led to the recent removal of its Christmas tree. 

“Walmart has always, in the past, donated its Christmas trees to local groups but it has been done after the season,” spokeswoman Ashley Hardie said Wednesday. “This year we decided, at the corporate level, to donate the trees to the chosen groups a little sooner so they could still be enjoyed.” 

She said this year’s tallest tree, which was around 12 feet in height, was donated to the office of Centre Mayor Tony Wilkie. 

“In its place we have created a holiday display featuring poinsettias, which are another favorite of many of our customers,” Hardie said. 

Rumors swirled last week that an unidentified local group, perhaps religious in nature, had complained to local Walmart officials about the Centre store’s Christmas-themed holiday display, resulting in its removal. 

Hardie said she was unsure of the origin of the rumors, but could state confidently that the decision to donate the trees earlier than usual was not the result of pressure on the management of the store.