On Tuesday, President Donald Trump helped place soil around a new tree planted at the White House to replace a historic one that was removed due to safety risks caused by its poor condition.
“We have a beautiful tree now at the White House,” Trump said.
The media was not allowed to cover the event, but a short video was later posted on social media. Dale Haney, who has worked on the White House grounds for over 50 years, joined Trump during the planting.
“Dale’s been here 53 years. He’s fantastic,” Trump added.
On March 30, Trump had posted online that the Jackson Magnolia, a nearly 200-year-old tree near the White House entrance, was in “terrible condition” and posed a “very dangerous safety hazard,” making its removal necessary.
This southern magnolia had stood on the west side of the South Portico for many years. It was a spot where world leaders were welcomed and where the president would often leave or arrive by helicopter.
Donald TrumpThe National Park Service notes that according to legend, President Andrew Jackson brought seeds of the tree from his home in Tennessee. It’s believed he planted them in memory of his wife Rachel, who died just before he became president in 1829.
A 12-year-old sapling, grown from the original Jackson Magnolia, was planted in the same spot on Tuesday. The National Park Service had raised it in an offsite greenhouse to serve as a future replacement.
The decision to remove the old tree came after an inspection by Peter Hart, a certified tree expert, who concluded it had become too risky to keep due to the chance it could fall. He recommended that the tree be taken down right away to avoid injury or damage.
The park service is keeping part of the tree for historical records and sending the rest of the wood to the Executive Residence. Trump said the wood “may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!!”
The tree had been trimmed back in 2017 during Trump’s first term, and it had been damaged in 1994 when a small plane crashed on the South Lawn and hit the White House.