The Alishan National Forest Recreation Area has always been a popular hotspot for cherry blossom viewing. But in recent years, the weakening condition of the old Yoshino cherry trees and sudden decrease in the number of flowers have been observed. In 2019, the Chiayi Forest District Office of the Forestry Bureau commissioned Dr. Jan Feng-Chun, a Japanese-trained tree doctor, to carry out a treatment program of the Alishan cherry trees. A professional team of tree doctors has been stationed in Alishan to improve the cherry trees' growing environment using natural methods, without using drugs or chemical fertilizers. The initial results can be witnessed after more than a year of implementation, and next year's Alishan flowering season is expected to be stunning! Continuing the Century-Old Memory of Beautiful Scenery and Passing Down the Legacy through Second-Generation Trees In recent years, the planting of ornamental cherry trees has become a trend in Taiwan, while the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area has been "well ahead of its time" for over a century. During the Japanese colonial era, the Japanese who developed the Alishan forest plantations were homesick for their homeland, so they raised funds to import several types of ornamental cherry trees and planted large quantities of the Yoshino cherry, which symbolizes the "Japanese Spirit of Yamato". Even today, this cultivar still takes center stage during Alishan's flowering seasons. Due to a lack of understanding among people of the Yoshino cherry, the trees are gradually declining in their old age. Tree doctor Dr. Jan pointed out that the Yoshino cherry prefers a temperate and dry climate—although Alishan has a similar temperature, the misty Alishan region makes its trees more susceptible to witches' broom disease and rot. The infected cherry trees will gradually affect other cherry trees in the park and should be treated as soon as possible. The Chiayi Forest District Office further explained the situation with a metaphor: The old cherry trees are like loving mothers. As they approach old age, they use their last bit of strength to produce shoots and deliver nutrients to their saplings that will become "second-generation trees." After completing the task, the old tree gradually withers away and dies. Beginning their work in 2019, Dr. Jan's team of tree doctors has cultivated the second-generation cherry trees to ensure their legacy, while also re-creating the magnificent cherry blossom avenue. In addition, they also carried out the improvement of the base soil and used the latest Japanese techniques to deal with rot and other problems, emphasizing a complete respect for the trees and treating the environment with care. Relying on their own ability to heal, the cherry trees will be able to increase their own resistance to overcome environmental adversities without the use of drugs and chemical fertilizers. Dr. Jan pointed out that the time available to carry out the improvement work is very short—it can only take place in the dormant period after shedding of leaves but before flowering. During that handful of months, the team needs to complete several tasks, including soil improvement, root introduction, rot removal surgery, and diseased branch pruning. And even after completing these tasks, the team still needs to regularly check the roots sprouts so that adjustments can be made when necessary, and then adjust their treatment strategy through annual checkups to ensure comprehensive care. According to the Chiayi Forest District Office, in order to help the public learn more about the cherry trees while enjoying the blossoms, one "Cherry Blossom Seminar" is held each year during the flowering season on Alishan. The event is free of charge, and Dr. Jan Feng-Chun will personally give the lecture. Those interested can note the information and are welcome to attend the event. Together, let us witness the endless cycle of cherry blossom trees and perpetuate this proud memory of the Taiwanese people.
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