Sakura Watch, April 18, 2025 – Warmer temperatures help push the buds into Stage 3
Sakura Watch, April 18, 2025 – Warmer temperatures help push the buds into Stage 3, with indicators showing they are just beginning to show their florets. With double-digit days forecast for the next week or so, they should continue to progress and develop into Stage 4 over the next couple of weeks. Overall, this is keeping the sakura trees on their regular blooming schedule, which usually occurs at the end of April and early May. However, read on to see my updated prediction dates further below.
Watch the YouTube video update below.
Stage 3 Begins
The buds are on schedule for this time of year and are showing signs of Stage 3, with more spherical and fuller, round shapes, as well as the florets beginning to open. And now, as warmer double-digit temperatures return in the weeks ahead, the buds should continue to progress and develop into Stage 4 around the same time. Here are some photos showing Stage 3 observations from today’s visit. Note how much rounder the buds appear, and even see in some the tips are beginning to open and just starting to reveal the florets:
My Bloom Prediction
Even though Mother Nature is always unpredictable and can change her mind, specific trends and patterns can still be observed over a long period. Since I started this blog, I’ve noticed that the regular bloom time for High Park is usually around late April to early May, when winter has been substantial enough and spring hasn’t been too warm. 2025 appears to be one of those years, and if the forecast for the rest of April continues on the warmer trends, then the bloom should occur within the regular time frame.
I predict the trees will bloom in High Park between April 29 and May 9. Of course, any changes in the weather, like heatwaves or cold spells, may change the dates, but so far, we seem to be headed for a peak bloom into the first weekend of May.
More visits in the weeks ahead will help determine how accurate the dates will be. So, follow me along as we start our weekly visits, and watch for new updates soon.
Do Your Part to Help the Trees from Damage
As much fun as it is to get up close to enjoy the cherry blossoms truly, there are some who take it a bit too far and cause damage to the tree that can lead to irreparable harm so the trees can not protect themselves from insects and disease and eventually die. This leaves us with less mature trees to enjoy, so please, if you really want to enjoy the blossoms for many years to come, you need to do your part to help protect the trees and prevent any harm to them:
Don’t pick or break off any blossoms
Don’t pull down, shake or break off the branches
Don’t climb, sit or stand on the trunks or branches - the mature trees are very old and not strong enough to support the weight and stress of people, even small children!
Don’t leave any litter IN or around the trees - it’s so sad to see people putting their garbage in the hollow trunks of the older trees, which invites animals and other insects to nest inside and cause internal damage.
DO take photos without harming the trees
DO enjoy the blossoms and respect their immediate surroundings
DO remember that respecting the trees from root to branch will help everyone to enjoy the blooming trees for many years to come
Donate to Support The Cherry Blossoms
The City of Toronto now accepts donations to help maintain existing trees and plant future ones. See this link for details.
Read more details and information on the City of Toronto - Cherry Blossom Website
Thank you all for visiting the site. Be careful, be safe, and watch for more updates soon.