Sakura Watch, April 3, 2025 – Buds continue to develop despite temperature swings
Sakura Watch, April 3, 2025—Buds continue to develop despite temperature swings, as we get freezing rain and snow one day and double-digit warmer temperatures the next, which is on par for unpredictable early spring weather in the City. The buds now appear larger, rounder, and healthier and have moved on to Stage 2, where we can now see the bright green and yellow tips emerge. As rain also continues to dominate the forecast, it is a vital part of the development cycle and will help keep things on track for a normal end of month blooming schedule.
Watch the Youtube video update below.
Stage 2: Bright tips now exposed
The buds are well into their Stage 2 progress as indicated by fuller, rounder shapes and prominent bright green and yellow tips emerging from each bud. As April begins, this is what I expect to see at this time of year. Overall, the size and formation look healthy and abundant in most of the trees, which will mean another full display of blossoms once the trees do bloom. Here are some photos from today’s visit:
Prediction on schedule
As we begin a new month, I compare the initial long-term forecast with the buds’ progress thus far to develop a timeframe for when I predict the Sakura cherry blossoms will bloom this year.
My early prediction is that the trees will bloom in High Park between late April and early May.
More visits in the weeks ahead will help shed more clues and signs of when the actual bloom will begin. 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.