Knowledgebase
pruning a very young Redbud? #850086
Asked September 15, 2023, 6:19 PM EDT
I saw a previous post on here about trimming (not trimming) a red bud
I have this very young self planted red bud as you can see from the photo it has what appears to be six Long leaders I'm surprised none of them are branching off but quite literally growing about a foot from the ground and then straight out!
Should I just leave this alone for a few years and it will branch out or do I need to do something to get it to have a canopy and what should I do with these 10 foot high shoots? support them? as u can see they are weeping over.
would be great if someone would explain why this tree grows in this manner and when it would actually branch off?
thank you!
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
From your picture it appears that you are in possession of an Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). The Eastern redbud variety usually grows with the trunk divided close to the ground forming a spreading, flat-topped to rounded crown. The picture provided looks as if the tree is growing into its natural shape. The tree at this point doesn’t appear to need any extra support.
With regard to pruning your tree, it is usually best if such were confined to pruning dead, damaged, diseased and weak branches. As well, you may cut off low-hanging branches that interfere with mowing. However, the caution is not to cut too much at once and to prune at the right time. As a rule, it is best not to take any more than 25% in one growing season, and to prune in late winter to early spring, prior to bud break.
I am adding some useful links that may prove helpful to you.
Pruning Trees in the Home Landscape | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
