I Bought A 6’ Eastern Redbud Tree, It Has Only One Branch Which I Cut Because It Looks Really Sick, The Leaves Were Yellow And

Question

had dark spots. The wood inside had a black circle. I am not sure if this is normal. The bottom of the tree has a crack. The trunk is about 1 1/2” thick. I am trying to find out if I can save this tree. Thanks. I bought a 6’ eastern redbud tree, it has only one branch which I cut because it looks really sick, the leaves were yellow and had dark spots. The wood inside had a black circle. I am not sure if this is normal. The bottom of the tree has a crack. The trunk is about 1 1/2” thick. I am trying to find out if I can save this tree. Thanks.

Answer 1

These trees are very susceptible to many diseases and rot. Pruning should be avoided for these short lived trees, unless you are removing diseases branches, since it will usually lead to infection and the quick death of the tree. Any pruning that must be done should be done in Autumn or Winter to avoid damage.

This article will help you with their care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/redbud/caring-for-redbud-trees.htm

Should you need to prune them, this article will help you with how and when to do this:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/redbud/cutting-back-redbud-trees.htm