CARING FOR THE CHERRY TREES
The blooming of the cherry trees on the National Mall’s Tidal Basin each spring is a beloved Washington tradition, a harbinger of spring for all Americans and a delight for bloom-watchers from across the globe. First planted in 1912, the cherry trees are celebrating their 114th anniversary in 2026, which is also the year where America’s 250th anniversary is being celebrated on the National Mall.
Today, many of the trees are showing their age. The trees need care year-round and many trees need replacement to ensure they will continue to bloom for generations to come.
In partnership with the National Park Service and the National Cherry Blossom Festival, the Trust for the National Mall raises money for the Cherry Tree Endowment to provide a maintenance fund that helps take care of the trees in perpetuity. Interest from the Cherry Tree Endowment will provide critical funds to the National Park Service’s tree maintenance team for annual care and maintenance, including tree pruning, soil remediation and select tree replacement plantings. In 2025, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) announced that DAR is making a transformative $2 million gift to the nation as the foundational Legacy Leader of the Cherry Tree Endowment.
You can donate through the Adopt a Cherry Tree Campaign to help the National Park Service care for and protect the cherry trees all year long. The Trust is grateful to all who support its Adopt a Cherry Tree program and the important work of the National Park Service that will ensure the treasured trees continue to bloom for generations to come.
ABOUT THE ADOPT A CHERRY TREE CAMPAIGN
For 114 years, the Cherry Trees on the National Mall have been a beloved cultural symbol and annual destination that draws in visitors from around the world to our nation’s capital. Living symbols of friendship and diplomacy, the trees have adorned the National Mall waterfront since 1912, when the Mayor of Tokyo gifted the cherry trees to the United States. A dedicated group of naturalists, donors, and civic leaders had advocated for the cherry trees for years, petitioning to the Superintendent of the National Park Service and eventually captivating the attention of First Lady Helen Taft who elevated their campaign. As an enduring symbol of the friendship between the United States and Japan, the trees have remained a hallmark of a lasting cultural exchange.
The Trust for the National Mall is proud to partner with the National Park Service to steward the trees to ensure they bloom and endure for generations to come. The Adopt a Cherry Tree campaign was created as a way for private donations to bolster the public resources dedicated to maintaining the trees all throughout the year. Without additional care and resources these iconic trees will not thrive, grow and bloom.
Damage from weather and foot traffic in America’s most visited National Park pose an ongoing threat to the trees. They require year-round tending to bloom in the spring, and one hundred trees are replaced annually.
The cost to maintain and care for the Cherry Trees far exceeds the federal support they receive. Public-private partnership was critical to bringing the trees to Washington and is needed now more than ever for their ongoing care.
The Cherry Trees belong to all of us. The Trust seeks ambassadors who share our commitment to environmental sustainability and who are willing to join our mission to preserve this cultural landscape and living symbol of friendship and diplomacy.
ABOUT THE TRUST FOR THE NATIONAL MALL
As the nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) non profit philanthropic partner of the National Park Service, the Trust for the National Mall is dedicated to restoring, enriching and preserving the National Mall. The Trust raises private funding, provides project expertise and in-kind support to help elevate the National Mall and its historic purpose, especially critical as we celebrate America’s 250th in 2026. The Trust leads capital restoration projects, mobilizes volunteer operations and provides innovative educational experiences to ensure the National Mall, with 36 million visits each year, endures and inspires now and for future generations. The Trust is also the philanthropic partner of The White House grounds and President’s Park, adjacent to the National Mall.