If trees could talk, this one would have a million stories to tell - eavesdropping on the conversations of 39 U.S. presidents, watching over state visits and Easter egg rolls, witnessing joy and sorrow, war and peace and even surviving being hit by an airplane. But experts say the huge magnolia tree President Andrew Jackson planted as a seedling in 1835 is sick and a safety hazard and a large portion will have to be cut down. Hovering over the South Lawn near the second story South Portico, it is the oldest tree on White House grounds. Its portrait can be seen on the back of the U.S. $20 bill. The tree has been propped up by cables and steel pole. But arborists say its wood is too delicate to withstand any efforts to hold it up. A bad storm strong wind, or even wind from the presidential helicopter could bring it down, with perhaps deadly results. A White House spokeswoman says First Lady Melania Trump has asked that parts of the tree be preserved and possibly re-planted in the same spot. 如果树可以说话,有一棵玉兰树可以讲100万个故事。它听过39位美国总统在白宫的讲话,目睹了无数国事访问来宾和复活节滚彩蛋,经历各种喜怒哀乐,战争与和平,还承受过一架飞机的撞击。 杰克逊总统1835年种下的一棵玉兰树苗早已长成参天大树。不过专家说,这棵树患了重病,必须砍掉一大部分,否则会构成安全威胁。 |