Pruning Redbud Tree
Pruning will control this growth for the tree s overall health.
Pruning redbud tree. Once you prune out all the dead or diseased branches in the winter you only need to do some structural pruning in the late spring or early summer. Pruning redbud trees in their early years is a must to shape future growth. Why prune a redbud. Place the cut on the bias down to a point of healthy woody tissue just 1 4 inch above a leaf node or bud or down to where the problem branch emerges from the parent branch.
The best time to prune an eastern redbud tree. Step 1 assess the tree s natural shape. Gardeners trim back some species of trees to keep them looking their best. When young nearly every variety of redbud requires pruning to create a pleasing and strong shape whether you want to maintain a multi trunk tree or create a single trunk tree.
Another reason to prune is to strengthen the connections of the. Always prune to a bud on young stems or to a branch or the trunk. Make pruning cuts carefully and avoid damaging the tree with lawn mowers or other equipment. Remove branches that are growing directly above or below another.
While this doesn t affect the tree s health it tends to encourage the development of a more aesthetic form. Department of agriculture plant. Redbud tree pruning includes both objectives. The time to make a long lasting effect on the form and structure of the plant is when the tree is young.
Cut away abrading broken cracked diseased or otherwise unsightly branches. Redbud will flower even on old wood hence it does not require pruning for bloom performance. Despite its name the eastern redbud tree cercis canadensis grows well throughout the united states from u s. Stand back and see how the branches naturally grow and use this as a starting point.
Redbud pruning winter care and fertilizing. If you want to know how to prune redbud trees read on. This will remove some spring flowers. Leave about a half inch of stem rather than pruning flush with the trunk.
Learning the proper time and technique for pruning a redbud tree is important to the health of the tree and the shape of it. Redbud trees or cercis canadensis are a type of north american tree that bloom in the spring they are low maintenance as far as pruning goes. Other trees need pruning to maintain their vigor. Pruning can also be done in summer after the leaves are full size.
Otherwise at maturity you will have an eastern redbud forest pansy or alba redbud that is nearly as broad as it is tall. These trees should be pruned in early spring before the sap starts to flow march. Redbud is particularly susceptible to wounds.