Japan gives US 250 new cherry blossom trees to commemorate US birthday

Japan has given the U.S. 250 new cherry blossom trees to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – extending a tradition of diplomacy that began in the early 1900s. 

The tree saplings will replace the 150 that were removed in 2024 when construction began on the Tidal Basin seawall rehabilitation project in Washington, D.C., according to the news outlet Axios.

Japan gifted the U.S.'s first cherry trees back in 1912.

As with the original trees, the new cherry blossoms are a gift from Japan "in the spirit of cultural exchange," according to the National Park Service, and will be planted in the coming months.

Peak cherry blossom bloom could arrive later than recent years due to record-breaking cold temperatures, NPS spokesperson Mike Litterst told Axios.

"Heat drives the trees to bloom, so when you have colder temperatures, it takes longer for the blossoms to arrive," Litterst said.

Last year, peak bloom was on March 28, March 17 in 2024 and March 23 in 2023.

This year's National Cherry Blossom Festival is planned for March 20 to April 12, but NPS is closing off the project areas along the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park during it to help protect the young trees, Northern Virginia Magazine reported. The areas are expected to open shortly after the festival ends.