In White House tree planting event, Obama throws around some dirt

WASHINGTON - It's easy to plant a tree when you're president.

As part of a long tradition for every new occupant of the White House, Obama's schedule on Wednesday included a "commemorative tree planting" event on the North Lawn.

But by the time the president and a few White House officials walked to the planting area, the tree was firmly nestled into its hole with dirt already packed around the roots. All Obama did was partly fill in a shallow trench surrounding the tree, a littleleaf linden that reporters estimated to be more than six metres tall.

Obama grabbed a small, gold-coloured shovel to throw some dirt. As he started shovelling , he said he had to "do a little work here."

The president and an official each threw about 10 shovelfuls of dirt - or less - into the hole. The planting lasted about two minutes.

Before walking back to the White House, Obama added "this is a little easier than it should be."