As fans of the Tidal Basin’s best-known cherry tree mourn its impending demise, many are wondering: Why can’t Stumpy — the famous stump-shaped tree — be saved?
Readers commenting on a recent Washington Post article on the issue suggested replanting the tree with “a backhoe,” “couple guys with shovels” and “volunteers.” The hollow cherry tree on the south side of the basin will be removed by the National Park Service this spring during construction of a new sea wall for flood prevention. Approximately 150 cherry trees will be cut down during the project.
But the Park Service is holding firm to its plans — and it has prompted a question among the tree’s fans: Why can’t the tree be moved to higher ground?
“While in some cases trees can be successfully moved, the likelihood that Stumpy would not survive the move combined with the cost rules out transplantation as a viable alternative. The trunk is in advanced stages of decay,” Matthew Morrison, an arborist for the National Park Service, said in an email to The Post.
Transplanting the tree to a new location “would not be conducive to her success. It would be doubtful that the woody portions of the overhead branch, the trunk, and/or the roots would stay intact without fracture during the process,” Morrison added.
Stumpy became popular in 2020 after a Reddit user joked that the tree was as dead as his love life. Over the past four years, the tree’s popularity has grown because it has survived daily flooding from the Potomac River — and in ways became a symbol of resilience.
But that’s also contributed to its deteriorating health.
“The tree has long been a victim of twice-daily flooding, sun scalding, compacted soil and fungi, and is already in what botanists refer to as its ‘mortality spiral,’” Mike Litterst, a spokesman for the National Mall and Memorial Parks, said in an email. “Due to its loss of structural integrity and its extremely weakened condition, Stumpy simply would not survive an attempt to move it.”
This spring, Stumpy the tree will pass the baton to Stumpy the mascot, which will celebrate its spirit during future Credit Union Cherry Blossom races, including races this weekend.
“While the organizers of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom [races] along with legions of devotees will be saddened to see Stumpy go, the mission of Stumpy the Mascot is to make sure that Stumpy is not forgotten in the years to come,” Phil Stewart, director of the cherry blossom races, said in an email.
And on Saturday, Stumpy the mascot will also appear at the “Blossoms and Baseball” game at Nationals Park. Stumpy will join the Racing Presidents to greet fans before the Nationals game and will guest star in the mid-fourth-inning Presidents Race.
So, while the tree will disappear from the Tidal Basin later this spring, the image of Stumpy will live on. And little Stumpy clones, produced from its clippings, will be planted in D.C.
The Trust for the National Mall, the non-profit partner of the National Park Service, and its Adopt A Cherry Tree Program help care for the 3,700 cherry trees, including the future saplings genetically matched to Stumpy.
If you want to visit Stumpy the tree before it’s gone, it can be viewed during the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which lasts through April 14. Stumpy is located just west of the Jefferson Memorial.
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