Commemorative Tree Plantings

A gumdrop shaped tree on the White House south lawn.
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 oldest commemorative tree is a Japanese Threadleaf Maple planted by First Lady Frances Folsom Cleveland in 1893. Originally, Mrs. Cleveland planted a pair of trees; the east tree of the pair was replaced in 1978 with a new Japanese Threadleaf Maple by First Lady Rosalynn Carter.

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 93 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).
 
 
 
 
 

Commemorative Tree Archive

 
 
 

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Last updated: June 26, 2025

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