Knowledgebase

Keeping redbud small #255310

Asked June 18, 2015, 7:04 PM EDT

I have a redbud clump planted 2 years ago as a 6' balled and burlapped.  It is now about 8' tall and some of the lower branches have died.  Twp photos attached.  The purpose of the tree is to screen the patio from the porch.  I do not need shade for the yard, and I do need lower branches.

Can I trim the ends of the top branches, say a foot or so, perhaps twice a year.  If so, when should I do it and what would you expect the results to be.

Thank you,

Mike Graves


Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Unfortunately there are some misleading estimates of redbud's mature height, even in the University' literature:
https://ask.extension.org/questions/172978#.VYRKEBNVhBc 

Eastern redbud grows to 25 to 30 feet:
http://search.schultesgreenhouse.com/12070008/Plant/665/Northern_Strain_Redbud

We don't recommend pruning trees or shrubs to "fit" a particular site.  Instead the plant should be chosen appropriately for the site. It's never a good idea to "top" a tree. The result is usually aesthetically unpleasant and results in the formation of suckers, witch's brooms and water sprouts:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/pruning-large-trees-thinning-out-vs-top...
http://puyallup.wsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/403/2015/03/tree-topping.pdf

It looks like the site you've chosen would accommodate a large tree, so my suggestion would be to recalibrate your thinking to the tree's nature. Here is a reference for proper pruning:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/pruning-trees-shrubs/

Finally, if you decide to prune-to-reduce, I would urge you to use a certified arborist:
http://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist.aspx
Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied June 19, 2015, 1:18 PM EDT

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