The peak bloom season for cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C. began early this year due to rising temperatures. Despite the early arrival, it’s a bittersweet spring for over 140 trees in the tidal basin area that will be cut down because of rising water levels.
The water levels have produced muddy and slippery conditions for visitors and also made it dangerous for the cherry trees. The flooding could potentially kill them if the sea wall is not heightened.
“Cherry blossoms are the D.C. thing, and you can only really see them here, ” said annual visitor Youngsoo Jang. She understands that the construction can be good in the long run but still finds it unfortunate to see iconic D.C. flora removed.
