UW Cherry Blossoms at their Peak

Please enjoy this post that was originally published on April 5, 2021

I excitedly arrived at the University of Washington Quad at 8:30 am to avoid mid-day sunshine, the worst time of day to take photos. Without stopping for my morning coffee and walking passed the Starbucks food truck parked in front of the Suzzallo Library, my eyes searched ahead, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary trees.  As I rounded the corner from Red Square there was an explosion of soft pink blossoms and bright green grass. I was exhilarated. I’d been excitedly anticipating this shoot all week. 

At the University of Washington, the Quad is so vast that for its first 70 years it was an open field that often turned into mud flats. At times it was used by ROTC units for marching practice and reviews. Now the Quad is well known for the approximately two weeks each year when 30 Yoshino cherry trees (Prunus × yedoensis)are in full bloom and the area turns into fluffy clouds of light to rosy pink. Most years thousands of visitors from Seattle and beyond come to see them.  The UW and Seattle are listed among the best cities in the US to view cherry blossoms.

Peak bloom, which occurred on March 29th this year, is about a week or two later than usual, According to Sarah Shores, UW arborist, it’s probably because of the record-breaking snowstorm and cooler temperatures this winter, The amount of daylight and favorable temperatures are the two most important factors that determine bloom timing. If it stays below 50 degrees, with little rain or wind, the blossoms could stay on the trees for as long as two or three weeks.

The first cherry trees arrived in the United States by ship from Japan in 1912.  Three thousand of them came by boat via Seattle, then traveled by train to Washington, DC where their display of springtime blossoms is enjoyed by residents and tourists alike.  I lived in DC for 7 years and recall riding my bike on the National Mall, around the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River, admiring these magnificent trees.

In or prior to 1936 more trees were brought by the UW and initially planted at the Arboretum, in an area called the Canal Reserve.  Discussions about constructing a bridge over Lake Washington started in 1953 to deal with Seattle’s increasing traffic.  The Arboretum leaders strongly opposed the plan to build this bridge and its intersection over the Arboretum land. They claimed there would be significant damage caused by the loss of land and plants and would negatively impact its value. They insisted that the highway construction project be relocated. 

Ultimately those 30 cherry trees were replanted in the Quad in January, 1962, creating its long lasting, beautiful landscape, after construction began on the new highway.There are now more than 200 cherry trees on the UW campus. Around 2005, arborists took cuttings from the trees and grew them in a greenhouse in Skagit Valley. Those clones can be seen today on the lawn outside Parrington Hall.

Not to burst our bubbles, but it is a fact of life that trees age and die, and these trees are all showing signs of decay and fungus.  This species of cherry trees lives for approximately 80-100 years, and it is assumed by the experts that the trees in the Quad are 50-60 years old.  Despite having an annual maintenance schedule, the trees reflect their age. There are differing opinions about replacing the trees in the Quad, from removing one or two at a time and replace them with saplings or do it all at once so they are all the same size. 

Despite the many signs asking people not to climb the trees, some children just couldn’t help it.

I noticed that the large majority of visitors appeared to be Japanese or otherwise Asian. The onlookers were so festive. Many women were dressed up, wearing fancy clothing. One woman was painting the blossoms, some were picnicking, and others seemed like they were celebrating a very special time. cherry blossoms are very significant to the Japanese people.

The Japanese have long celebrated cherry blossoms, known as Sakura, as a symbol of renewal and the beauty and brevity of life. During the short blooming season, people in Japan have outdoor parties with family and friends. This custom, Hanami, means “watching blossoms.”

According to UW professor of American Ethnic Studies Tetsuden Kashima “the blossoms are a reminder that life is almost overwhelmingly beautiful, but it is also tragically short. When the cherry blossoms bloom for a short time each year in force, they serve as a visual reminder of how precious and precarious life is.”