This spring’s Hanami at Roihuvuori in Helsinki is in danger: almost a hundred cherry tree branches were severed with a heavy hand

Heaps of branches on the ground in Roihuvuori's cherry park. — Heaps of branches were on the ground in the cherry orchard in Roihuvuori on 21 January 2025.

It may take up to four years for the flowering to return to its former state, the city informs. The contractor who cut the trees says the mistake is \”extremely unfortunate\”.

Many large branches have been cut from the trees in connection with maintenance since the beginning of the year. Too many small, flowering branches have also been removed, the release states.

There are a total of more than 150 cherry trees in the park, and according to the city, the flowering of almost a hundred trees is probably going to be worse than usual.

A broken branch of a cherry tree. — On January 21, 2025, a steady cut mark was visible on the cherry tree in Roihuvuori.

For some trees, it may take two to four years for the flowering to return to its former state.

The city says it is investigating why the private contractor’s arborists have cut the cherry trees unnecessarily extensively. The maintenance contractor of the Roihuvuori area, YIT Road Oy, was responsible for the work.

According to him, the experts are looking at what kind of supplementary plantings can be made in the park.

People sit and take photos under blossoming cherry trees. — The hanami party organized in Roihuvuori has been held since 2007. Picture from the 2022 celebration.

– In all projects, our goal and that of our partners is that the work is done to a high quality, with the best interests of both the trees and the park users in mind. In Roihuvuori’s cherry park, there has been an extremely regrettable error regarding green management, Vidgren writes.

The trees in Roihuvuori’s cherry park have been donated by Japanese residents and companies in Helsinki.

Hanami celebration this spring uncertain

– I knew that branches had been removed there. I thought they were very small branches, but there are actually quite large ones cut and surprisingly many.

Mikkelä’s idea was that mostly dead branches would be removed and that cyclists could ride along the light traffic lanes.

– It felt strange, because I’ve cycled on it myself, and I haven’t had to dodge any branches.

According to Mikkelä, the realization of this spring’s hanami celebration is still uncertain. The matter is also being negotiated with Japanese cultural associations.

– It might have a lot of influence on the work I do this spring. Now we have to investigate whether it is possible to organize a hanami. You will know that when you see how the buds develop and how many flowers there are.

Removing branches can also affect the whole tree, Mikkelä reminds.