New cherry trees

[rockm]

The U.S. is getting 250 more cherry trees as a gift from Japan to replace trees that are being removed from the tidal basin in D.C. to renovate a dilapidated sea wall there. The 250 represents the 250th anniversary of the U.S. The 53 original bonsai at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum were a gift from Japan in 1976 to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial.
Just thought it was interesting symmetry...

 

[JudyB]

That's cool. Too bad they couldn't just relocate the existing.

 

[gooeytek]

I was there last weekend and missed the blooms

 

[KikurageOtomo]

That's cool. Too bad they couldn't just relocate the existing.

I recall somebody mentioning that from the perspective of a layman or arborist who isn't as tree crazed as ourselves... Removing them with sufficient roots to support life and establish in a new location isn't worth the time or effort in their book. The average person simply cares that there are flowering cherry trees, they don't care if its the same one they've been appreciating their entire childhood.

Unfortunate, would've been nice to see the state give the trees a second lease on life by letting collectors try their hand.

 

[Deleted member 47471]

The U.S. is getting 250 more cherry trees as a gift from Japan to replace trees that are being removed from the tidal basin in D.C. to renovate a dilapidated sea wall there. The 250 represents the 250th anniversary of the U.S. The 53 original bonsai at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum were a gift from Japan in 1976 to commemorate the U.S. bicentennial.
Just thought it was interesting symmetry...

What a wonderful gift

 

[rockm]

I recall somebody mentioning that from the perspective of a layman or arborist who isn't as tree crazed as ourselves... Removing them with sufficient roots to support life and establish in a new location isn't worth the time or effort in their book. The average person simply cares that there are flowering cherry trees, they don't care if its the same one they've been appreciating their entire childhood.

Unfortunate, would've been nice to see the state give the trees a second lease on life by letting collectors try their hand.

The thing is cherry trees aren't long-lived. After 40-50 years they decline and die. The original gift trees from 1912 are 99 percent gone. They've been replaced over and over again using cuttings and other sources through the Park Service, from what I understand. Only a handful of the originals remain and even then the Park Service isn't entirely sure which ones they are.

As for allowing trees to be collected, that's a problem. Many of the trees that have been replaced were in advanced stages of decay and were shells of themselves with compromised trunks (Some very badly) etc. The decision to allow collectors to dig them up is fraught with problems -- who would be allowed to dig them and keep (sell/buy?) them -- private collectors, the Park Service?. Also relocating the trees is cost prohibitive and the "who's gonna pay for that " quotient is high...The trees are located in a National Park, which is already under stress from millions of tourists (guess what kill cherry trees relatively quickly? a million tourists compacting the ground and climbing in them breaking off limbs and taking cuttings --"one won't hurt the tree " Maybe not but a thousand will.

 

[Paradox]

Yea I heard about them having to destroy something like 100 to be able to redo that seawall. Was sad to hear it. Problem is some are getting inundated with sea water so aren't in the best health because of that.
Nice of Japan to gift us more trees...I'm sure the USDA will be involved with that transfer

 

[vp999]

Maybe some one can ask for this one.

 

[Shogun610]

Maybe some one can ask for this one.


View attachment 539728

Woah that’s like a instant bonsai

 

[vp999]

Woah that’s like a instant bonsai

Yup...and owning a part of history too.

 

[rockm]

Maybe some one can ask for this one.


View attachment 539728

Stumpy is something of a local hero (but the tree's notoriety grew nationally). The tree is gone now I think. It was only 25 years old, but located in an area that flooded constantly. Root rot then trunk rot. The NPS is taking cuttings to replant

People Can’t Get Enough "Stumpy." What's the Story Behind DC's Most Beloved Tree?

The Tidal Basin's scrawniest cherry tree is stealing—and breaking—hearts.

www.washingtonian.com

 

[Deleted member 47471]

Stumpy is something of a local hero (but the tree's notoriety grew nationally). The tree is gone now I think. It was only 25 years old, but located in an area that flooded constantly. Root rot then trunk rot. The NPS is taking cuttings to replant

People Can’t Get Enough "Stumpy." What's the Story Behind DC's Most Beloved Tree?

The Tidal Basin's scrawniest cherry tree is stealing—and breaking—hearts.

www.washingtonian.com

Wow, glad they could salvage cuttings at least

 

[rockm]

Stumpy is something of a local hero (but the tree's notoriety grew nationally). The tree is gone now I think. It was only 25 years old, but located in an area that flooded constantly. Root rot then trunk rot. The NPS is taking cuttings to replant

People Can’t Get Enough "Stumpy." What's the Story Behind DC's Most Beloved Tree?

The Tidal Basin's scrawniest cherry tree is stealing—and breaking—hearts.

www.washingtonian.com

“Yet, every year, during peak bloom, despite everything else, he puts out these beautiful blossoms and I think a lot of people relate to that. It’s a story of perseverance through difficult times.”

that is pretty much the essence of bonsai...

 

[vp999]

Now I love Stumpy even more after reading the story, I didn't know he was that popular....My friend just send me a pic of him a few weeks back while fishing.