Preservation of Cherry Blossom Trees in Washington, D.C.
Witness the iconic cherry blossom tree, affectionately named Stumpy, on March 15 in Washington, D.C. During high tide, the tree’s base is immersed in several inches of water.
Jacob Fenston
Behold the scraggly cherry blossom tree, known as Stumpy, standing tall amidst the waters on March 15 in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON – This week marks the peak bloom of the renowned cherry blossoms surrounding D.C.’s Tidal Basin. Sadly, 158 of these trees will see their final bloom as they are slated for removal later this spring. This initiative is part of a larger project aimed at reconstructing and elevating the seawalls encircling the basin.
Challenges Faced by Cherry Blossom Trees Due to Daily Flooding
Every year, Washington, D.C., attracts millions of visitors who come to admire and capture selfies with the iconic cherry blossom trees. For many, like Jody Axinn, these trees hold sentimental value. However, Axinn laments that the picturesque spot where she got engaged two decades ago has now succumbed to the effects of flooding.
“The area where we celebrated our engagement is now submerged underwater. The entire pathway and surrounding section are inundated,” Axinn shares. “I bring my children here and say, ‘Kids, this is where your Dad and I got engaged, even though it’s now a waterlogged area.'”
Preservation of Cherry Blossom Trees at the Tidal Basin
Twice daily, during high tide, sections of the pathway encircling the Tidal Basin experience flooding, with several inches of water accumulating. Some of the approximately 2,500 cherry trees surrounding the basin have their roots exposed to the water, while others are entirely submerged, and numerous park benches are partially under water.
According to Mike Litterst, a spokesperson for the National Park Service, this flooding was a common sight a decade ago, but not as frequent as the current twice-daily occurrences. He notes that the only variable now is the extent to which the water reaches inland on any given day.
Over a century ago, the cherry trees encircling the Tidal Basin were initially planted as a gift from the mayor of Tokyo, symbolizing international friendship.
Challenges Facing the Preservation of Cherry Blossom Trees
Two significant factors are at play in the deterioration of the Tidal Basin and the surrounding cherry blossom trees and monuments. The land bordering the basin, constructed using sediment extracted from the Potomac River bed, is gradually subsiding. This settling has caused the land to sink by approximately five feet in the last century. Simultaneously, the water levels have risen by over a foot due to the impacts of climate change.
“When you combine these two elements, you now have water levels six feet higher than the original seawall’s intended protection,” explains Litterst.
Although the Tidal Basin may resemble a serene lake, it is, in fact, a segment of the Potomac River. Positioned at both the upstream and downstream boundaries of the basin are gates that regulate the flow of river water, surging back and forth with the tides. The river’s tidal nature means it is progressively increasing in tandem with the global rise in sea levels, a consequence of the melting ice sheets and glaciers attributed to the combustion of fossil fuels.
Preservation of Cherry Blossom Trees: A Sustainable Initiative
This year witnessed the cherry trees reaching peak bloom at the second-earliest date ever recorded, as confirmed by the National Park Service. Over recent years, the average peak bloom date has shifted approximately a week earlier, attributed to the ongoing impact of climate change.
Looking ahead to the upcoming spring season, the park service is preparing to commence a significant project aimed at elevating sections of the walkway encircling the basin and running alongside the Potomac River. Officials have emphasized that the new seawall is designed to withstand potential sea level rise for up to a century. Moreover, its engineering allows for future extensions if necessary.
According to Litterst, the completion of the $113 million project hinges on the removal of trees lining the water’s edge. He explains, “Without addressing the seawall, the continuous water encroachment results in the annual loss of trees. Replanting efforts are futile until the root cause is resolved.”
The anticipated completion date for the project is set for 2027. During the construction phase, the northern and eastern perimeters of the Tidal Basin will remain accessible to the public. Upon project finalization, a total of 274 new cherry trees will be introduced to the landscape, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of this iconic natural heritage.
Farewell, Stumpy: Advocating for the Preservation of Cherry Blossom Trees
One of the trees slated for removal is a well-known tree named “Stumpy,” amidst the focus on preserving cherry blossom trees.
The Resilience of Cherry Blossom Trees Preservation
Despite its scraggly appearance and mostly rotted trunk, this tree stands strong. During high tide, its base is submerged underwater. However, every spring, Stumpy’s three or four small branches bloom into beautiful flowers, with the majestic Washington Monument as a backdrop.
Debby Swope, an eighth-grade history teacher from Oregon, visiting Washington, D.C., expressed her admiration for Stumpy, referring to him as her cherished emotional support tree. Stumpy symbolizes resilience, bravery, and charm, embodying the essence of cherry blossom trees preservation.
When observing Stumpy at high tide, Swope recognizes the necessity of the initiative. She points out, “His feet are getting wet.”
Preservation of Cherry Blossom Trees During Construction
During the construction process, trees like Stumpy and other low-lying ones will be removed to accommodate the construction equipment. However, cuttings from these renowned trees will be carefully transported to the National Arboretum for the purpose of propagating new trees.
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