After comprehensive assessment of the historic Southern Magnolia known as the “Jackson Magnolia,” positioned outside of the White House's South Portico, the Trump administration removed the tree on Tuesday morning citing safety concerns.

The location is an important part of the property where the administration often welcomes foreign dignitaries, and where the president himself exits to board the Marine One helicopter.

The White House released a statement announcing the replacement: “After expert analysis and careful coordination between a board-certified Master Arborist, 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.”

The examination of safety issues by the American Society of Consulting Arborists determined that, “to eliminate the risk of personal injury and/or property damage, this tree should be removed as soon as can be scheduled.”

The descendant sapling is 12 years old and was grown offsite at the National Park Service Greenhouse in preparation for its new home at the White House. The now-removed "Jackson Magnolia" was one of the oldest trees on White House Grounds and traced its roots back to the era of President Andrew Jackson.

According to the National Parks Service, which oversees White House Grounds upkeep, “folklore tells us” that President Jackson brought the tree’s seeds from his home near Nashville, Tennessee to the White House. The seeds apparently were planted in honor of his wife Rachel, who died shortly before he assumed office in 1829.

The Magnolia was carefully maintained for nearly two centuries, but its condition declined beyond recovery.