LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/952062
110 Landscape Architect and Specifier News I n f o r m a t i o n R e q u e s t # 5 2 8 The large tree on the left side of the White House, known as the Jackson magnolia, will have its bark preserved by President Trump after it is taken down. An identical tree can be seen on the right side of the White House, yet this one is to remain standing. Historic White House Tree is Being Cut Down The Jackson magnolia, the oldest and perhaps most iconic tree on the White House grounds, is being taken down because arborists fear that it will fall over onto the White House. Many will recognize this tree from the back of 20 dollar bills that were produced between the years of 1928 to 1998 and which are still widely in circulation today. President Andrew Jackson planted the tree in memory of his wife in the year 1828, after he was inaugurated. Nearly 200 years later, the tree stands almost three stories tall and has been a widely photographed and documented feature of the White House throughout the years. Today, age and weather have deteriorated the tree and White House officials are worried that it will soon collapse due to the high winds produced by Air Force One helicopters that land and takeoff on the south lawn. Specialists from the United States National Arboretum examined the tree and issued a statement that read, "The overall architecture and structure of the tree is greatly compromised and the tree is completely dependent on the artificial support. Without the extensive cabling system, the tree would have fallen years ago." First Lady Melania Trump made the decision to have the tree taken down after carefully reviewing all the evidence and exhausting all possible situations. In the end, the tree was deemed unsafe for White House residents and guests that often stand under the tree during Air Force One takeoffs and landings. A new sapling, taken directly from the Jackson Magnolia, is to be planted in the exact same location after the original is removed, allowing the history to live on. Emerald Ash Borers Discovered in Vermont Vermont officials reported Feb. 20 that the emerald ash borer was found in the town of Orange. A survey by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources will determine the extent of the infestation. The beetle larvae overwinter under the bark of ash trees and feed on inner bark tissue. The pest, native to Asia, was first discovered in the U.S. in Michigan in 2002. Infestations have been reported in 30 states and three Canadian provinces.