How’s this for turning over a new leaf? Seattleites helped pause the removal of the cherry trees near the entrance of Pike Place Market.
As part of the Pike Pine Streetscape and Bicycle Improvement project, the Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects recently announced that it would replace the flowering trees with elms as the cherry trees near the end of their life cycle. Planted in 1980, these variants are expected to only remain healthy for about 20 years. Five have previously died and been removed.
However, a group of locals and representatives from Save the Market Entrance sprouted into action and hung heart-shaped signs on the trees that read “U SAVE ME.” They also urged others to email City Council to request an alternative to the trees’ removal.
Message received — following the push, the city agreed to put the removal on pause so that they could meet with community members in the coming days.
It’s unclear if the uprooting plans will be scuttled altogether. But even if these undeniable beauts are seeing their last season, there are plenty of spots around town that will satisfy your cherry blossom dreams. Keep a close eye out — they should bloom in the next two weeks or so.
There is definitely no way to deny the appeal of this pink against UW’s already stunning architecture.
Photo by @tanya_the_explorer
University of Washington Quad | As one of the most well-photographed displays in Seattle, this wow-inducing yard includes 29 Yoshino cherry trees that are almost 90 years old.
Washington Park Arboretum | You’ll find the cherry blossoms along the arboretum’s Azalea Way, which is free to walk through.
Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival and Japanese Cultural Festival | This festival, which will run from Friday, April 14-Sunday, April 16, may catch just the tail end of the cherry tree displays, but you’ll learn a lot about the cultural importance of the flowers — a reminder to celebrate life.
