Cherry tree named 'Stumpy' becomes a Washington sensation

The damaged cherry blossom tree has bloomed for the last time and has become an unlikely hit with tourists in the nation's capital and on social media. NBC News' Hallie Jackson reports.
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#CherryTree #Stumpy #Washington

[@kpepperl319]

Stumpy must be saved... It's literally a representation of a Japanese concept of finding beauty in imperfection. I think it is quite beautiful.

[@amandab8433]

I was wondering why they don't just dig it up, and put somewhere it can survive.

[@kpepperl319]

​@@amandab8433 pure laziness 🤷‍♀️ that's my only guess... It's not that expensive compared to the potential tourist revenue they can attract if it was moved to a botanical garden.

[@maxr5799]

Wabi sabi

[@peggygivens584]

How old is stumpy? Grafted oriental cherries only live 20 -25 years.

[@stevejarred6484]

Actually, isn't Stumpy like some sort of a giant bonzi in a way?

[@carylshawver]

Dig Stumpy up and move it. Let Stumpy live! #LetStumpyLive

[@raed3240]

That would shock it. It would immediately die.

[@vivekvicky2595]

or just build stronger wall not allowing sea water to roots

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

Stumpy represents the philosophy of Wabi Sabi. She is beauty in imperfection.💐💐💐Farewell, beautiful girl.💋

[@omachuca]

Keeping it and relocating it would instantly, and cheaply, create a new city attraction.

[@Maybe1Someday]

They actually have a truck that has a split cone hydraulic device and it can pick a whole tree out of the ground and drop it in a new hole. It would be rather easy to move all the trees actually

[@stirfryjedi]

They could also take it to the national arboretum, maybe plant it near the bonsai garden there.

[@zapchristo]

Yeah the wood chipper seems like an extreme decision. Relocating it seems like a win win!

[@ytzpilot]

But then it wouldn’t be stumpy anymore because it would flourish, the reason it’s not flourishing is because too much salt water in the soil in its current location, to keep stumpy you have to recreate those conditions or it just becomes another cherry tree

[@AudraGibson]

Agreed.

[@SoupBone-bp1qk]

Ouch! "Its kinda crooked, but, hey this is Washington".... so true much to our dismay

[@leagarner3675]

Lol ikr

[@vcubed7275]

Indeed. This statement must be the only true one ever made by NBC.

[@williamjhunter5714]

There are specialized trucks out there with 4 hydraulic blade shovels that scoop out root balls to relocate trees. Rent that truck for an afternoon and relocate this tree. Easy.

[@stirfryjedi]

Last year in the blistering cold and wind I asked my now-Fiancee to stop & take some pictures of me in front of a cute, stunted cherry tree. Didn't realize it was famous and had a name. This is actually kinda heartwarming.

[@TechTokOffical]

It can still be relocated...

[@jdos5643]

Maybe next to an old museum or something with a plaque that says stumpy. Chip off the old block

[@CostlyFiddle]

Cloning it will turn one tree into many trees. I imagine they compemplated that option, but with the intrusion of salt, it may be too late for the tree to be able to survive the traumatic process required for transplanting a mature tree.

[@memories-in-memphis]

My thought, too. It has struggled and survived great odds just to be cut down by man. It is a shame not to try.

[@sjain8111]

@@CostlyFiddle it’s worth a try! 🌸

[@ericheine2414]

I think it would have been nice to mention that the cherry trees were given to Washington DC by the Japanese. History and knowledge is something we share out of respect.

[@donetoldyaso.99]

They arent enough of a victim culture to mention them in American media.

[@brendalg4]

Older people already know, younger people would need to research. It seems there is no such thing as journalism anymore

[@user-rc8tp6si7j]

Yes, I agree.

[@twistoffate4791]

I knew it because I grew up in Northern Virginia and my dad worked in Washington D.C. We always visited the Cherry Blossoms in Spring, and Dad made sure we knew from whence they came. Beautiful memories.

[@ticklemebreathless1394]

Hey, just wanted to say thank you for teaching me something I didn't know! :)

[@junkyardmonkie]

Stumpy, a sign of perseverance. Humans: we can take care of that.

[@qn3734]

You can send people to space but can’t dig up and replant that tree. The funny thing is that the cost of filming, reporting and broadcasting this story is more than getting it relocated. 2024 logic

[@onimazu4102]

Some bonsai artists took inspiration from trees like stumpy. They used to wire them or peel their bonsai too like like it had grown in harsh climate. Crooked, twisted, peeled, half dead still has a beauty

[@RonnieRedd]

Personally, I would attempt to relocate it. It may not make it, however it isn't that difficult. If I remember correctly, do it in the winter and get all the roots.

[@NIGHTFLIGHTVIDEO]

Dig it up and replant it. Relocate it. How much money can that possibly cost?

[@thenewhew1136]

A couple thousand. Have to bring in heavy equipment to dig a big enough root ball, probably at least 6-7' diameter and 3-4 feet deep. The labor would be a lot.

[@AllIDoIsNguyenTX]

Agreed. They already have to bring in the digging equipment and heavy machinery to rebuild the shores. Why don't they use it to transplant Stumpy first?

[@MarkLac]

@@thenewhew1136well…there has been other trees that should never have survived but did. Case in point “The Survivor Tree” from the WTC. It somehow survived the entire event, even after the collapse of both World Trade Center Towers. It took a while to get the tree back to health, but it made it. But no doubt it would take a lot of labor and such transplants have to be done quickly.

[@kalament1969]

Take some of that Ukraine money and move Stumpy!

[@rabblerousin8981]

@@hak1985orglearn what saltwater intrusion is before weighing in on something you seem to have never heard of. Why even weigh in

[@barbaraperry5023]

Leave Stumpy alone. Living so long deserves a little kindness!

[@annvassallo2604]

Theres no way they cant transplant it? Its just so awesome, we should try to keep it somewhere else??

[@laura6796]

Glad they are cloning Stumpy, but he is a representation of hope and survival. It's too bad they can't plant him somewhere else that's safe❤

[@MaryAntonia-tc9rv]

Don't cut down the trees dig them out and replant them on higher ground. It's worth the time and effort to save them. If the trees are beloved then people will help dig them out by hand if necessary. They are going to dig up that area anyway why not save a beautiful part of nature.

[@75keg75]

Can’t they dig it out with one of those tree transplant machine ms where the 5 or 6 blades dig down and they take the whole root ball?

[@user-uc8cc1zd3r]

Yes, i was thinking that too. They should try to save the tree by relocating it, then replanting it back when the place is ready.

[@SoupBone-bp1qk]

They ARE saving the tree by taking cuttings. It will still be the same tree just in a more complete form.

[@sp-1973]

​@SoupBone-bp1qk it will be many trees 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@JesHill]

Yes they could, it would be easy to transplant it, I've done it many times and Cherries are good at recovering from the move.

[@75keg75]

@@SoupBone-bp1qk true but they won’t have the same character as a grizzled old tree clinging to life in adverse conditions…

[@christopherwesterberg8555]

That's a Beautiful Cherry Tree

[@erikwick]

Why can't they move Stumpy?? 😭😭😭

[@pohanahawaii]

🌸 WHY CAN'T THEY RELOCATE *STUMPY*? Instead of plain demolition, at least give it a try!

[@Jaynna09]

What the heck!! Why can't they move the tree?!

[@Deniseeee84]

Exactly

[@arfriedman4577]

If i lived there, id ask to put the tree where i lived. The tree should be saved, along with the others.

[@rebekahcuriel-alessi2239]

Save Stumpy!! 🌸

[@bradcruise6291]

Give it to the bonsai association. Especially with all the love and history it has. Or send it to the national arboretum

[@darlenel1434]

Please try & save "Stumpy". It's trying to survive.

[@SweettoothMarie77]

Save Stumpy!!!❤ Can't its roots be oulled out and planted elsewhere??😮

[@irisscott5173]

If it bloomed it still has life..

[@randomrazr]

in japan they extract the trees and replant them elsewhere. they cant do it here?

[@Women2024VoteBLUE4US]

It’s a awesome tree. Unique n beautiful!

[@Blazini1980]

"It's kinda crooked but hey it's Washington " That's about the most truthful journalism in a long time

[@abirevan3293]

Uproot and move it somewhere... They are beautiful.. ❤❤❤

[@bernard0550]

Stumpy can be relocated.

[@user-rc8tp6si7j]

Why can’t they be re located?

[@sp-1973]

That's so beautiful 🌸 🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@RAWGRIP54]

Save the tree.

[@Renard380]

I saw a video like ten years ago of a truck capable of relocating trees in just a few minutes. But as always, all it takes is good will, so it will never happen...

[@nanapam6376]

After all the videos I’ve seen today on KZbin, this has made me the saddest! I’m not sure I’m wired right! Lol

[@songoftheblackunicorn666]

Why not dig up stumpy and give stumpy to someone else.

[@mrrice117]

I agree with relocating it

[@JennWatson]

Someone is gonna steal that liquor!

[@jenni48.32]

It's beautiful grace of a tree that lives.A tree that blossoms beauty it's Divine🩷

[@monicascott2354]

How can they just leave a bottle of whiskey out in the open?

[@crimsonrose1500]

Why cant we just move it to a new location? Its still a beautiful tree ❤

[@noodengr3three825]

Lets be a green / tree city but lets not get creative on how to rebuild a seawall without cutting down 150 trees. Like maybe just build a new seawall 10 ft out from the existing one and backfill?

[@clairecarscallen2925]

Great idea … but it makes too much sense for them to use it.

[@FLORIDIANMILLIONAIRE]

Cherry blossoms grow great in London it just needs a good environment

[@robatkins]

At least they’re making clones of Stumpy and the others. It still sucks, idk why they can’t just expand the wall out farther.

[@Milaperadotti]

Poor stumpy . Hate to see you go!

[@TheNinnyfee]

We have to stop treating trees like things. ❤

[@nvkulk]

Stumpy…Better looking than most people

[@lailadavids]

It’s unique and very beautiful

[@skinsnation4404]

Can I come get stumpy and relocate to my property?

[@SkyscannerGuyJr.]

Ok the “it’s kind of crooked but hey, it’s Washington” line was HARD. Someone was cooking in the writer’s room

[@missbettybunny]

Why am I tearing up? 😢

[@Maybe1Someday]

Thankyou for your service Stumpy 🫡

[@rzero21]

In Japan, if there is a tree you can save, they would consider to dig the whole thing, and move it somewhere else as a sort of transplant. Most of the times, they're successful in the transplanting.

[@thelastdefenderofcamelot5623]

It is not impossible but careful analysis of the root map and digging up with special care can work.

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

So inspirational

[@constantingonzalez7982]

“Its destiny: the wood chipper” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@amonraphoenix]

Why can’t they dig it up and move it to a new location. I’ve seen a massive machine that can dig up and move a 30 foot maple. Pretty sure Stumpy would be easier to relocate.

[@anthrazite]

Honestly, I think given the attraction it became they should try to maybe relocate it to a Bonsai garden or something? Should be doable

[@-in-the-meantime...]

remember when we used to pick up people that were stumped... back before the farms were corporatized.. it didnt trickle down.

[@TheCpadron19]

Is it impossible to relocate a tree that small?

[@percypercerton2125]

This is absolutely stupid. It’s become a cultural icon, if we want to build culture in this country, and we do need to do that, we can’t just keep tearing everything down and building something new. Make an exception for stumpy and be done with it it doesn’t need to be monetized

[@mikee5991]

That tree could be spaded and moved by arborists if they really wanted to save it

[@DanburyDK]

Aww😢

[@adamhomer6534]

# Save Stumpy

[@stevejarred6484]

Godspeed, Stumpy! Long may you live in our hearts and imaginations forever! You're a survivor and an inspiration to us all!

[@AggresivelyBenign]

It’s not a miracle, guys. It’s how trees work. Trees are honestly incredible.

[@jaydenp4975]

Can’t they relocate the trees????

[@holyfire11]

They dont have to cut down the trees to build a bigger wall... Add dirt around the trees, compact it as best you can and then build up the wall 2 feet around the edge Or you could just put up a stone wall like how castles have theirs to defend the archers from incoming arrows. But instead against enroaching waters kinda like how the japanese have theirs for tsunamis. That way the wall can also act as a guard rail so people dont jump in the water.. then all you need is a couple ladders and boat ramps so just incase someone does decide to go for a dip or falls in they can just get out easy peazy

[@BahKnee]

...but not its final bow/bough... very nice.

[@threewishes777]

Last summer ☀️ 😢

[@courtneycarter4493]

Such a pity look how beautiful. ..l would just let the tree be💞

[@CouchAlien]

Relocate it !!!!

[@BitSmythe]

0:59. *How nice to donate a bottle of good whiskey to the arborists!*

[@NancyEFord]

Cheers to the arborists saving trims from Stumpy and other trees for planting. Upcycle those famous gorgeous trees❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sunshine-wb7gr]

Its represent survival alot of people can relate ❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@TangentOmega]

How many people see themselves in "Stumpy"?

[@paulburley7993]

Please save Stumpy.

[@andrewgraves4026]

Shame on Parks Service; move it next winter. How about some public outcry?

[@debbiej.2168]

I hope they don't go in the wood chipper. I'd love to make spoons out of cherry wood (but don't live close enough for this wood). I'm sure some carvers wood love it.

[@bjhendrickson5563]

.... Why would you not just relocate them?

[@thelastdefenderofcamelot5623]

It's too difficult. You never see full grown trees being transported.

[@SoCalSeaChaser]

Great way for our government to spend unnecessary money on removing 150 trees, then replanting possibly less trees or cheap trees in place of the cherry trees. Easy solution, remove the trees and place them in wooden holding containers and store them just off site. Then build a new sea wall just behind the old wall, increase the walls height 3 or 4 feet and lay down a nice new sidewalk along the wall. Then replant the trees in front of the sidewalk, this has been done in many other areas and ends up looking really nice. This does a few things, the original wall is still visible, the original trees are able to be placed in a better area where they will thrive, and it makes the area look really nice.

[@blackawana]

Great story!

[@jarmac7420]

Why can't the more stumpy?

[@flowerfaeri]

Save Stumpy!❤❤❤❤

[@ian-blum]

I like how everyone who looks like stumpy are the people visiting him 😂

[@rdwngdblkbrd629]

I'm sure the bottle of Whiskey was only used as a Prop. If not, that bottle will be gone by morning and the other Guy named Stumpy will be passed out somewhere on a Park Bench.

[@Nscladystillwatersrundeep6369]

Just move it.

[@peggygivens584]

Oriental cherry trees only last 20 - 25 years. Since they are grafted they don't live that long. Different grafted trees last longer. It all depends what kind of tree is grafted, how long the lifespan.

[@Sweet.Delirium]

🌸

[@jonedson5910]

isn't the dc cherry trees a gift from japan?

[@breal7277]

Local landscapers, here an opportunity to get free publicity. Relocate that beautiful tree!

[@user-eu3op7or6v]

Aww stumpy 🥺

[@bookbag6432]

Is that Whiskey still there? Asking for a friend.

[@gretaholmes783]

Impossible to replant a tree? I wish I could!

[@brianjennings1]

This is so sad...it's hilarious. The best thing humans could do for a tree was remember it through social media...l.o.l.

[@grey28282]

the best place and time , is when the moment is at full Bloom 🌸 " the fall of the Cherry Blossom petal 🌸, is as the fall of the tear of the Dreamcatcher " catch the petal , catch the tear , catch the Dream and make a wish .

[@mangotango76pulp59]

wait! can it be moved and replanted?