WJLA-TV: NPS arborist says climate change threatens future of Cherry Trees

WJLA-TV: NPS arborist says climate change threatens future of Cherry Trees

Facing the challenges of damage caused by increasing foot traffic from millions of visitors, the growing impacts of the changing climate and daily flooding caused by the rising sea level, the beloved Cherry Trees on the National Mall need our help now more than ever. National Park Service arborists work year-round to care for the trees and ensure they continue to bloom for generations to come.

Thank you, WJLA-TV, for spotlighting the threats that are being posed to the iconic Cherry Trees that draw millions of visitors from around the world each spring to see their beautiful pink blossoms unfold. This annual DC tradition would not be possible without the work of the NPS arborists to care for the trees.

Photo by WJLA-TV: NPS Arborist Matthew Morrison walks through Cherry Tree grove and explains how the National Park Service cares for the trees year-round.

The Trust for the National Mall supports these efforts of the NPS arborists by raising Cherry Tree maintenance funds through the Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign, in which supporters can give at various levels to adopt a tree, branch, blossom or bud. All donations support the arborists’ year-round work to protect tree roots, prune and trim the trees and collect tree tissue and soil samples to monitor the health of the trees.

The Cherry Trees are a treasured symbol of friendship and diplomacy between the U.S. and Japan that continue to bring visitors to the National Mall to usher in springtime renewal and hope in our nation’s capital. Make a gift to the Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign to help ensure that these cherished blossoms continue to bloom for the next generation.