WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Park Service has announced new cherry blossom trees are being planted along the National Mall.
These 250 new trees are a gift from Japan to honor America’s 250th birthday, and to replace the ones taken down during restoration of the tidal basin.
“The saplings – most of them are varieties of cherry trees – will be planted in the coming months,” National Mall NPS posted on X. “We expect them to thrive and add their splendor to this iconic landscape.”
Many commenters were asking about “Stumpy,” the cherry tree that refused to die and gained a massive following. Even though Stumpy was basically hollowed-out bark, clinging to life, the tree still continued to bloom. While the National Park Service is not sure about Stumpy’s age due to the lack of rings, the educated guess is about 25 years old.
To the dismay of many D.C. residents, due to the $113 million refurbishment project along the Tidal Basin, Stumpy and 140 other cherry trees had to be cut down. Twice a day during high tide, water will come up over the retaining wall and flood the area, damaging the trees.
“When that water comes over the sea walls, it inundates the roots of cherry trees and other trees around here,” Mike Litterst, the chief of communications and spokesman of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, said. “Cherry trees are not designed to get that much water every day, twice a day, brackish water coming in and inundating the roots.”
But the little tree will live on. Clippings from Stumpy were saved, and the saplings are doing well. Once they have grown and matured, they will be planted on the tidal basin as well.
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“This would be one of the best environmental pieces that we can do for Washington,” National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew said. “It’s sad, but it will be a good thing. We’re not looking short term. The National Park Service is actually looking for generations to come.”
The refurbishment project started in May 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2027.