Sakura Watch May 6, 2025 - Peak Bloom continues in some areas, as blossom petals begin to fall
Sakura Watch May 6, 2025 - Peak Bloom continues in some areas, as blossom petals begin to fall in High Park today! As predicted, the sakura cherry blossoms were in Peak Bloom in the park as of May 3. Today, these same trees are now beginning to shed their precious petals. But the Sakura trees by Grenadier Pond and the Zoo & Playground are well into the Peak Bloom, so it’s not over yet! The weather has also taken a positive turn for the rest of the week, which may help the blooms last into Mother’s Day weekend, BUT don’t expect to see full white canopies by them. So, what can we expect? Keep reading to find out - let’s jump into it!
Watch the YouTube video update below.
Less than 70% at the Sports fields
Let's start at the Sports fields by the Bloor St entrance. The trees here now show less than 70% of their bloom as the flowers give way to the wind and gently float to the ground. Empty stems and leaves are slowly replacing the blooms in this area.. Here are some images showing off the Sports fields today:
Less than 75% in Cherry Hill
In Cherry Hill, we see a similar story unfolding. What was in peak bloom this past weekend is now also beginning to shed its precious blossom petals, showing only about 75% or less. The area has always been known to attract large crowds, as it has the park's most extensive collection of trees. Sometimes, it even attracts some musical blossom fans to set the mood on a warm spring evening, as shown by two people playing a keyboard and flute. Others were painting and sketching on the hillside further up the hill. THIS is the true spirit of Sakura Hanami and was a welcome sight to see.
A bonus is that the Magnolia trees are also in peak bloom across from the Grenadier Cafe and atop Cherry Hill. Here are some photos showing off Cherry Hill today:
90-100% Peak Bloom by Grenadier Pond and the Dock
The trees along Grenadier Pond and the Dock were slower to bloom, so they continue to hold on to their Peak Bloom. The pond edge trees show between 90% and 100% open blossoms. This makes it worth the walk, as these trees will offer you more time to enjoy their beautiful canopy of white goodness with the golden sunset reflecting off of Grenadier Pond. Now is the time to enjoy them before they begin to fall by the weekend. Here are some photos by the pond today:
95-100% Peak Bloom by the High Park Zoo and Adventure Playground
If you travel to the other side of High Park, near the Zoo and Adventure Playground, you will be rewarded with the Peak Bloom. These trees show 95-100% open blossoms and should last until the weekend. This area is always the last to bloom in the park, so enjoy it while you can.
Final Days of Peak bloom
The Peak Bloom began on May 3 by the Sports fields and Cherry Hill, but now petals are starting to fall. Today, the trees by Grenadier Pond, the Zoo, and the Adventure Playground are in Peak Bloom. With a fair weather forecast for the rest of the week, we should continue to enjoy the last of the Peak Bloom until May 9.
Even with fair weather in the forecast, unfortunately, I can’t guarantee there will be too many fluffy white canopies of blossoms to enjoy for Mother’s Day this weekend. You can enjoy the falling blossoms, but please DO NOT shake the branches! Let them fall naturally in the warm spring breeze as intended. And let’s remember there is even beauty in the ending.
Watch for more 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.