WASHINGTON (CBSDC/AP) — A Washington gingko tree that was more than 100 years old was mistakenly cut down.

The U.S. Park Service says the 102-foot-tall gingko tree was planted some time before 1886. A contractor who was supposed to remove a sickly ash tree from Farragut Square mistakenly cut down the historic tree instead.

The U.S. Park Service could fine the contractor. The ash tree that was supposed to be cut down was properly marked for removal.

WNEW’s Kevin Rincon contributed to this report. Follow him on Twitter.

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