מדרש על עבודה זרה 91:1

From here it was ruled: There are three kinds of asheiroth: A tree that was planted from the beginning for idolatry is forbidden (for benefit), it being written "and their asheiroth shall you burn in fire." If he cut and trimmed it and it grew (new growths), he removes the new growths, it being written "and the cuttings of their gods shall you cut down." If he placed idolatry under it and removed it (the idolatry), then it (the tree) is permitted, it being written "and you shall cause their name (but not the tree itself) to go lost from that place."