'Jackson Magnolia' removed at White House, replaced with descendant sapling
A new sapling is putting down roots at the White House, following the removal of a historic tree named for former President Jackson.
President Trump helped mark the planting of the new tree Tuesday near the South Portico of the White House.
The newest greenery added to the White House grounds came the day after one of the southern magnolia trees, which was said to have been planted by Jackson in the 19th century, was removed due to "serious safety concerns."
The "careful decision" to remove the historic tree, a White House spokesperson said in a statement, followed an assessment by a master arborist.
The arborist's report found that the Jackson-era tree “surpassed the time of serving as an aesthetic and historic landmark due to the potential harm it may cause because of the risk of structural failure.”
The new sapling planted this week is a "direct descendant" of the original magnolia tree, according to the White House. The 12-year-old tree was grown at the National Park Service Greenhouse "in preparation for the removal of its parent."
The National Park Service, which manages the White House grounds, said the new magnolia sapling "will continue the tradition of honoring this tree's history while investing in the future."
The removed tree is unlikely to face a wood chipper future: The Park Service said it is working with the White House executive residence to "ensure the preservation of the salvageable remnants of the 'Jackson Magnolia.'"