Robert DeFeo's duties as the chief horticulturalist for the National Park Service include making the annual prediction about when the cherry trees will be in peak blossom. Staff writer C. Woodrow Irvin recently asked DeFeo a few questions about his job.
How long have you been making the predictions, and how reliable have they been?
Fifteen years. . . . As for the reliability of my predictions: Within 10 days of peak bloom, which is defined as the day that 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees are open, 15 for 15. When asked to predict two to four weeks in advance (forced, actually) -- 12 for 15. It is pretty much impossible to make an accurate prediction on the exact date much more than 10 days in advance. So I don't.
I predict a range and then narrow down to a specific date as the buds move through the different stages of development towards flowering.
It is important that people realize that the peak bloom date occurs within the blooming period, which starts several days before the peak bloom date and can last as long as 14 days; however, frost or high temperatures combined with wind and/or rain can shorten this period.
What science is involved in making the annual prediction?
I wouldn't call it science. It is more common sense. I simply monitor five stages of bud development and [am] providing updates as needed [www.nps.gov/nacc/cherry]. This is also a great Web site for finding information on the cherries.
Have you ever heard from angry or disappointed blossom-watchers when the prediction was inaccurate?
Not yet, and I believe this is because I am straightforward in saying what I know and what I don't know. Greater than 10 days before, I am relying on past history and averages, and there are no certainties. Ten days before, I am relying on the actual response of the blossoms, an extended weather forecast, and I can pretty much nail it. It is simply that straightforward -- and I say so.
When you are not fielding questions from reporters about the cherry blossoms, what does the National Park Service's chief horticulturalist do?
Funny you should ask. My boss, co-workers and colleagues ask me the same question all the time! Seriously, I provide broad-based guidance and technical support on issues relating to the management of vegetation on grounds under the jurisdiction of the 13 parks that encompass the National Capital Region.
My education and experience are primarily in . . . tree management. Issues and concerns on trees take up the majority of my time (pruning, removal, cabling and bracing, protection, mitigation, replacement, valuations, condition assessment, etc.). My responsibilities also include turf and the seasonal floral displays. I also conduct reviews of planning documents that impact park landscapes to ensure the protection of park vegetation and that it is managed properly.
What's the best thing about your job? The worst?
The best? . . . That I work for the National Park Service. The people I work with reflect a tremendous sense of fairness and dedication to their responsibilities and to me personally. I've always dreamed about working in our national parks. This is my job, but it is not work to me. It is a dream come true, and I live it every day.
The worst? I guess it would be the disappointment on the faces of the above mentioned employees who meet me with expectations that the "chief horticulturist" must be a man of extensive knowledge and wisdom on trees -- after all, he makes the forecast every year -- and walk away with [the] more accurate perception that I am nothing more than [what The Post's Tony Kornheiser once described as] a "glorified florist."
