The fender consists of three parts. The Inner fender-keeps mud from engine compartment. The middle fender-provides stiff platform for outer fender. And the outer fender-the part that you just ripped of on the tree.
I removed mine and made my own xenon style fenders. I'm still waiting on some nutserts? for the rears. It only has two holes with access to the backings.
You can see in this picture-the waffled section is the middle fender-underneath the outer fender. I trimmed the inner fender too much and left a small gap between the fender/door section. No big deal. Just doesn't look as good.