The White House has taken action to replace the historic "Jackson Magnolia" tree located near the South Portico due to safety concerns, as announced on April 7, 2025. The tree, known as the "Andrew Jackson Commemorative – Southern Magnolia," was removed following a careful evaluation by experts. Peter Hart, a master arborist registered with the American Society of Consulting Arborists, alongside the National Park Service and White House staff, determined that the tree had deteriorated to a point where it posed a risk of structural failure.
In response, a descendant sapling of the "Jackson Magnolia" will be planted on April 8, 2025, to continue the legacy of the original tree. A White House spokesperson stated, "After expert analysis and careful coordination between Peter Hart, a board-certified Master Arborist and registered consulting arborist with the American Society of Consulting Arborists, National Park Service, the White House Grounds Superintendent, the White House Executive Residence and its Office of the Curator, the Offices of the President and the First Lady, and United States Secret Service, the White House has made the careful decision to remove the Jackson Magnolia to ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and the Grounds themselves."
Peter Hart's assessment concluded that the tree had "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." Hart recommended the prompt removal of the tree to prevent injury and damage. The National Park Service concurred, stating that "despite ongoing preservation efforts, the ‘Jackson Magnolia’ tree has reached the end of its lifespan and must be removed due to safety concerns. The average lifespan of a Southern Magnolia is 100 years."
Preservation efforts will continue, with remnants of the original tree being preserved for their historical significance. The National Park Service, in partnership with the Executive Residence staff, remains dedicated to maintaining the White House landscape. The spokesperson added, "Remnants of the old tree will be preserved by the Office of the Curator and honored by the White House, and this new tree will continue the heritage of the ‘Jackson Magnolia’ for generations to come."
The "Jackson Magnolia" is believed to date back to President Andrew Jackson's era, making it one of the oldest trees in the White House complex. In recent years, structural support efforts were undertaken to preserve the tree, but its condition has continued to decline.
