Cherry Blossoms Peak in DC, 250 New Trees Coming

0:00Washington's famous cherry blossoms have reached peak bloom right on schedule this spring. The National Park Service tracks this for the roughly 3,500 Yoshino trees around the city, calling it peak when 70 percent. Of the flowers are open. It usually happens in the last week of March or first week of April. The four-week National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off on March 20 and runs until April 12. Like musical shows, Japanese cultural activities, and a big fireworks display. Last year drew 1.6 million visitors from everywhere, with the online bloom camera pulling in 2.3 million views. Crowds flock to the title basin for the best views, but the short bloom depends heavily on the weather. Cool and calm days let the pink petals linger for several days, while rain or wind can scatter them fast. No late frost this year means full displays across the capital. These trees trace back to a 1912 gift of 3,000 from Tokyo's mayor, which Japan's still

1:01helping out. This year, they're donating 250 more as an early nod to America's 250th birthday this summer. A seawall fix at the title basin has fenced off spots, removing over 100 trees for replanting later. Fans of the viral tree called Stumpy might miss it, since it got clear for the work, though clones are ready to go back in. Those petals are already falling in spots, now's the prime time to catch the show before it fades. From your city, powered by AI, this is Vancouver News Today, I'm Corey with the story.