SALEM, Oregon— Three Akebono flowering cherry trees will be removed from State Capitol State Park on Feb. 28, 2024, because the trees are in poor health. On Feb. 29, four new Akebono cherry trees will be planted to replace these three and another tree that died. In addition, eight more will be placed near existing trees to increase the overall canopy of Akebono cherry blossoms. 

The planned work is part of a 20-year strategy to keep healthy and vigorous trees in the North Mall. A recent detailed inventory of 149 cherry trees assessed the health, aesthetics, and visible impacts to the area infrastructure. The results were included in the 2022 Tree Canopy Management Plan. The three trees to be removed this week were identified for removal in the plan based on their very poor condition and damage from ice storms in recent years. 

Kevin Strandberg, Valley Region operations manager for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, says the replacement trees are at least eight years old and about 3.5 inches diameter at breast height. He added that people will be able to walk beneath the trees when they are mature.

“We’re moving and planting the trees now while they are dormant and during late winter, so they have time to establish strong root systems before warm weather arrives,” he added. “I expect they will blossom this year and continue to grow and flourish.”

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