London: A historic tree that has stood at the White House for nearly 200 years is scheduled to be cut back, reports BBC. The “Jackson” magnolia was planted by President Andrew Jackson as a tribute to his recently deceased wife. It has been a backdrop to historic ceremonies and even featured on the $20 note between 1928 and 1988. But experts say the tree is damaged and poses a safety hazard. First Lady Melania Trump has called for a large portion of it to be removed.

White House spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Mrs Trump had requested that seedlings be maintained so that a new tree could possibly be replanted in the same area.

She said Mrs Trump had taken the decision because the tree posed a threat to “the safety of visitors and members of the press who are often standing right in front” of it when the presidential helicopter takes off.

The magnolia originally came from a cutting from Mrs Rachel Jackson’s favourite magnolia tree on the couple’s Tennessee farm.