Sakura trees have an average lifespan of 30-40 years, with multiple trees on Yokota hovering around the 35-year-old mark. As trees age, they become susceptible to disease or other factors.

Every year, the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron replaces aging trees with younger ones to maintain the natural beauty of both the installation and sakura season, ultimately keeping the sakura population on base young and healthy.

Blooming in spring, sakura trees are a key feature of Yokota during the Sakura Spring Festival, which celebrates the strong ties between the U.S. Air Force and the surrounding Japanese communities. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the sakura trees reflect the base community’s commitment to nurturing a flourishing friendship with Japan.