Q.Can A Red Bud Be Trimmed All Over To Keep It Small?
In a townhome community can redbuds be planted in a common area and be kept pruned so that lake views will not become compromised?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
In terms of trees, they are small in stature, reaching to 30 feet at most. They only live for a couple of decades, making them short lived, as well.
With this being said, they are adapted for a short life. This means that most of the energy is spent going to reproduction, rather than disease resistance. Any cut that you make will increase chances of an infection that will cause the early demise of the tree. Any cuts made should be to remove dead wood, injured growth, or insect infestation.
If 30 feet tall and 20 or 30 feet or so in width is too large, then you may consider a tree that stays within your limits, or one that doesn't mind constant pruning.
Here is an article that will offer more information on the tree:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/redbud/caring-for-redbud-trees.htm
