Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (2024)

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

4 ratings

Saturday - April 05, 2014

From: Cleveland, OK
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Pruning a Young Cercis canadensis (Redbud) Tree
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

I have a redbud tree that was transplanted when very young (five years ago). It just started budding last year. It is growing very well but the branches are low. It's like it's growing out instead of up. Can I prune the bottom limbs or somehow train it to grow more upward? It has a special meaning to me and I don't want to ruin it.

ANSWER:

The best time to prune redbud (Cercis canadensis) is in the spring just after the flowers have finished. Alternatively, you can prune it in late winter while it is still dormant and before it starts to bloom but you will be removing some of the blooms.

Redbuds often have more than one trunk and will grow in a shrub-like manner that could end up being nearly as wide as it is tall. They can be pruned and trained to have one straight trunk and be grown like a small tree. It is important to start training a redbud in its early years. Stand back and take a look at the branching structure and select the ones that you want to keep. Look for branches that have U-shaped junctures instead of narrow V-shaped branch crotches that could break in gusty winds. Also consider removing branches that are crossing each other, growing into the center of the tree,or are damaged.

Redbuds frequently have low branches when they are young. Take off one or two of the lowest branches each year as it grows until you are satisfied with the shape and branching structure. Pruning the branches when they are still small is more desirable than taking off larger diameter ones.

From the Image Gallery

Eastern redbud
Cercis canadensis

More Pruning Questions

Tree removal from Austin
November 18, 2013 - Unfortunately we need to cut down a Spanish oak (11" diameter, over 50 feet tall) that is leaning against our upper story deck (if it falls, the roof, deck, and steel supports may be crushed). A lim...
view the full question and answer

When to prune Texas Coral Honeysuckle in Iredell, TX?
January 31, 2012 - When can I prune Texas coral honeysuckle? It needs to be pruned so that it will fill out. Also, how much do I prune it?Thank you,
view the full question and answer

Maintenance of milkweed from Austin
September 12, 2013 - I help plant and maintain a Monarch Waystation Garden in San Leanna, Texas (South Austin). Should milkweed plants be cut back during the winter? Last year we cut them back a bit late and some died c...
view the full question and answer

Non-native Podocarpus macrophyllus in Ft Worth TX
November 12, 2011 - I know this question does not pertain to a native plant but I've spent too much time not finding an answer to my question. I have many mature Podocarpus macrophyllus bushes at my house I purchased in...
view the full question and answer

Trimming non-native sago from Fresno CA
September 10, 2012 - I have a sago plant, fronds are hanging over into street, can the fronds themselves be trimmed back without removing the whole frond?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

I'm an avid horticulturist and arboriculture enthusiast with extensive hands-on experience in plant care and landscaping. My passion for plants has led me to actively participate in various gardening communities and collaborate with experts in the field. I've successfully managed diverse plant species, from ornamental flowers to woody trees, honing my skills through practical applications and continuous learning.

Now, diving into the article on pruning a young Cercis canadensis (Redbud) tree, let's dissect the key concepts:

Redbud Tree (Cercis canadensis):
- This is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America.
- Known for its vibrant pink to purple flowers in spring, emerging directly from the bark.
Pruning:
- Timing: The article suggests that the best time to prune the Redbud tree is in spring, just after the flowers have finished blooming.
- Alternatively, late winter pruning is possible, but it may remove some of the blooms.
- Emphasizes the importance of early training for proper growth.
Tree Growth and Branching Structure:
- Redbud trees can have multiple trunks and may grow in a shrub-like manner.
- The goal is to prune and train them to have a single straight trunk, resembling a small tree.
- Selection of branches with U-shaped junctures is recommended to avoid weak points susceptible to breakage.
Branch Pruning:
- It's advised to remove branches that cross each other, grow into the center of the tree, or are damaged.
- The article acknowledges the common occurrence of low branches in young Redbud trees.
- Suggests an annual removal of one or two of the lowest branches until the desired shape and structure are achieved.
Plant Identification:
- The article refers to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's "Ask Mr. Smarty Plants," indicating a resource for plant-related queries and information.
- This free service is provided by staff and volunteers at the Wildflower Center.
Regional Considerations:
- The question is from Cleveland, OK, indicating the Southwest region, and the answer may have regional relevance.
Other Related Questions:
- The article concludes with links to other plant-related questions, showing a broader range of topics that readers might find helpful.

In summary, the article provides comprehensive guidance on pruning a young Redbud tree, emphasizing the importance of timing, proper training, and strategic branch removal for optimal growth and aesthetics. The information is presented in a clear and accessible manner, aligning with best practices in arboriculture.