White House to remove 200-year-old historic magnolia planted by Andrew Jackson
A magnolia tree, known as the Jackson Magnolia, stands alongside the South Portico of the White House in Washington, DC (Photo: Getty Images)
A historic magnolia tree, believed to have been planted by President Andrew Jackson in the 1820s, will be removed from the White House grounds due to safety concerns, reports USA Today.
The magnolia tree on the South Lawn of the White House, which legend says was planted by President Andrew Jackson to honor his wife who passed away before his presidency began in 1829, is set to be removed because of its advanced deterioration.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump stated that the nearly 200-year-old tree would be taken down due to its hazardous state.
"The bad news is that everything must come to an end, and this tree is in terrible condition, a very dangerous safety hazard, at the White House Entrance, no less, and must now be removed," Trump wrote.
"This process will take place next week, and will be replaced by another, very beautiful tree." He also mentioned that wood from the historic tree would be used for "other high and noble purposes!"
A symbol of memory and history
Known as the Jackson Magnolia, the tree has been a part of the White House landscape for nearly two centuries. According to the National Park Service, the two southern magnolia trees were planted by Jackson using seeds brought from the Hermitage, his home near Nashville, Tennessee.
The tree has seen some significant damage over the years. In 1994, it suffered when a Cessna plane that targeted the White House crashed into its base. During Trump’s first term in office in 2017, the tree underwent major pruning and significant branch removal due to its deteriorating condition.
Though the Jackson Magnolia will be removed, the new tree will carry on the legacy and beauty of the iconic South Lawn.
