Fans say goodbye as beloved cherry tree 'Stumpy' set to be removed in late May

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Starting as soon as late May, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin removing trees, including more than 150 cherry trees as part of its sea wall project. Stumpy, the unassuming little tree that’s become a national sensation, will be one of the trees being removed.

7News spoke with fans visiting Stumpy once last time for his final bloom.

“He’s the heart of the city,” said Cody Hitchcock, who heard about Stumpy on the radio and went to visit during a work trip.

“He is kind of like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” said Emily Mason. “Needs a little extra love.” She first noticed Stumpy a few years ago and has made it a point to visit every year.

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“I am obsessed with Stumpy,” said 7News First Alert Meteorologist Eileen Whelan. “I think people feel a connection to Stumpy because I think that there’s a uniqueness, a difference about it.”

Out of the thousands of cherry trees, it’s this one that gets all the attention.

“It’s like an icon,” said Wendy Hilton, who’s often walking around the area and has been a fan of Stumpy.

But if you think this story is just about a famous cherry tree, you don’t quite know Stumpy. Twice a day, rising sea levels flood areas around the Tidal Basin, drowning the trees. Many of them aren’t able to bloom at all -- but not Stumpy.

“He’s holding on just like everybody else,” said Mason.

To many, Stumpy has become a symbol of resilience.

“I think it speaks to even the human spirit,” said Hilton.

Over the years, Stumpy has stolen all of our hearts, but news of his last bloom broke them.

“Sad. I’m sad,” said Hilton.

“We are about to begin a $113 million reconstruction of portions of the Sewall around the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River,” explained Litterst. “People think trees need water, but there can be too much of a good thing, and those trees simply are not equipped to handle the amount of water.”

In Stumpy’s final weeks, a trumpeter from the National Symphony Orchestra played a serenade, the Racing Presidents came to say goodbye, while the rest of us raced against time to do the same.

“People have like, memorialized him,” said Mason.

Someone left flowers, another a bottle of Maker’s Mark for a tree that’s certainly made his.

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“I know it has to happen I can see what’s happening all the time,” said Hilton. “Day before yesterday he was underwater halfway.”

“Long term this is far more beneficial,” said Litterst. “Trees will be healthier and stronger.”

All the removed trees will turn to mulch, protecting the others from foot traffic.

“As that mulch breaks down,” explains Litterst. “It becomes soil and that soil nourishes all living trees for generations to come.”

Hundreds of new cherry trees will be replanted. The National Arboretum will also be taking Stumpy’s clippings, propagate genetic matches, and replant those trees around the Tidal Basin.

“Stumpy will live on in the National Mall not only in our memory but actually physically in the ground,” said Litterst. “It’s the circle of life.”

“We’re always focusing on you know, things that are perfect,” said Whelan. “I hope that this is one of those thing where people kind of start to embrace the difference.”

So long Stumpy. Thanks for the memories and the lessons we won’t forget.

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