Commemorative Tree Plantings

A small southern magnolia next to the White House in a small garden area.
A wide variety of trees grow on the White House grounds. Many of them are commemorative trees planted by presidents and first ladies.

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Since the 1870s, most presidents have planted a commemorative tree while they were in office. Their variations in species and generation represent the historical flow of “The People’s House.” The White House Gardens are constantly changing with the seasons and administrations. Some of the trees on the White House Grounds date back to the 1800s.

The trees around the White House are both symbolic and practical. They may symbolize friendship between nations, or a leader's intent to build a lasting legacy for future generations. The trees serve an aesthetic purpose, each lending its own unique characteristics of shape, color, flowers, and more, in spectacular variety. The trees provide homes for animals on the White House grounds; Theodore Roosevelt himself tallied a list of 92 birds he saw in Washington, DC, and at the White House in 1908. Finally, the trees also provide security, privacy, and comfort for the people who live, work, and visit here.

Want to see the trees for yourself? While many of these special trees can be seen from outside the perimeter fence, if you want to get a closer look, visit during the spring and fall White House garden tours or the Easter Egg Roll, when the grounds are open to explore (tickets are required).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Explore more

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    Take a Self-guided Tour

    Learn more about the history of President's Park and DC!

  • A small plaza with flowers and trees.
    Gardens

    Several gardens on the White House grounds serve a variety of practical and aesthetic purposes.

  • A massive, leafy magnolia tree next to the White House
    Andrew Jackson - Magnolia

    Certainly the oldest tree on the White House grounds, the exact date of this planting is disputed.

 

Last updated: June 4, 2025

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