On two different sections of sidewalk I passed this weekend, the sidewalk was spongy. I had to do a double take, it was so bizarre. It’s gotta be for the roots right? You can see the soft part is slightly darker in these photos.
Trees
It’s been a brutal week for trees at PoP HQ. This is on 4th Street, NW near Taylor.
This is my beloved mulberry tree. Well, half beloved. When she drops berries all over my yard and stairs for two or three weeks, we’re not the best of friends. But now, I’m very worried. What the hell is this? Have you ever seen a huge branch just start to split like this? Do you think it was struck by lightening? What do you think caused this? Do I have to get the whole branch removed?
Photo by PoPville flickr user DG-rad
“Dear PoP,
Can you post a request for residents on or near New Hampshire Ave with the new median trees to sign up as a DC Treekeeper? We need folks to sign up, get a watering device and agree to help keep the tree watered and healthy.
Canopy_Keeper_Brochure_ mail-in
I’ve attached the form and should mention that all forms should be sent to (email is best):
Ian Leahy | Community Outreach Specialist
Urban Forestry Administration | District Department of Transportation
202/671-5132 (desk) | 202/437-0809 (cell) | 202/671-5103 (fax) | [email protected]”
Thanks to PoPville Flickr user Dallas Lillich for uploading these photos. Word on twitter is that Fenty spokesperson, Sean Madigan’s car was hit (it was parked and empty at the time).
But one of the all time coolest trees I’ve ever seen.
Japanese Maples this time of year are phenomenal. The one above is from Columbia Heights. And thanks to Karen for sending in the incredible shot (below). I have no idea what type of tree it is but they way those flowers are growing is incredible.
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Matt lamented this unpleasantness a couple of years ago. I’m all for preventing the “notoriously unpleasant odor”. Think they’ll have better luck this year? And on a related note, I’m getting some emails from readers saying that the pollen is insane – has the big rain last night improved that situation?
Here’s the press release from DDOT:
Unseasonably warm weather has brought the first signs of the unsavory female ginkgo fruit to life much earlier than expected. To prevent the notoriously unpleasant odor of this popular tree from overtaking city streets, the District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) will start spraying these fruits tomorrow, Thursday, April 8.
Spraying will begin in Wards 1, 2 and 6, where female ginkgo trees are most prevalent, and continue through Wards 4, 3, 7, 8 and 5. The spraying will be conducted at night and there is no need to move vehicles parked on streets.
The specific spraying locations will be sent to the ANC commissioners and are available upon request. If residents have any questions about the spraying, they can contact the Urban Forestry Administration at (202) 671-5133.
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“Dear PoP,
Spotted at the Scottish Rite Temple at 16th and Columbia NW. Huh.”
Well we’ve admired this door before but I don’t know if we’ve addressed the palm trees. Anyone know what the story is? Does the Scottish Rite Temple just like palm trees or is there a deeper meaning?
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Photo by PoPville flickr user sciascia (not cherry blossoms but still beautiful!)
You can find all the info you’ll need here:
“Opening day marks the beginning of the two-week long celebration of the cherry blossoms and the commencement of spring in Washington, DC.
For the fifth year in a row, free Family Day festivities will be presented jointly by the Festival and the National Building Museum in anticipation of thousands of families from around the region and nation that will attend.”
and
“The Opening Ceremony is a National Cherry Blossom Festival tradition that embraces the true meaning of the Festival – the celebration of spring, cross-cultural exchange and community. His Excellency Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador of Japan, leads the tableau of Washington dignitaries to welcome the crowd that fills the majestic balconies throughout the Great Hall of the National Building Museum. The program begins at 4:00 PM.
With a resounding opening, The Shigeyama family, famous Kyogen players with a history dating 400 years, performs “Sambaso,” the most sacred and celebratory of all plays in the Noh and Kyogen repertoire. The troupe is comprised of five actors and three musicians. “Sambaso” dances celebrate fertility and good harvests.”
More info on opening ceremony here.
Hopefully the weather will cooperate so it won’t look like this:
Super cool photo from PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love