Eastern Redbud problems - Ask Extension
Hello. We have an Eastern Redbud in our backyard in Denver. It’s about 14-15 years old. In the previous two years we’ve had freezes just when it w...
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Eastern Redbud problems #868195
Asked May 13, 2024, 1:08 PM EDT
Hello. We have an Eastern Redbud in our backyard in Denver. It’s about 14-15 years old. In the previous two years we’ve had freezes just when it was starting to leaf out. The second set of leaves did come out. This year, nothing is happening, no flowers and so far no leaves. There are splits in a couple of the main branches. Now there’s new growth coming out of the trunk at ground level. Is the tree going to survive? Thanks!
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Temperature swings in Colorado can be hard on trees. It's hard to know exactly what caused the splits in the branches/trunk of your redbud but it could be a matter of frost cracking. Michigan State University has a Fact Sheet on Frost cracking which might be helpful. Here is a link to the article: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/frost_cracks_in_trees
From the photo it does not appear that the crack is oozing which is a good thing.
It's not uncommon for redbuds to sucker at the base which does indicate growth at the roots. You may cut off the suckers at any time.
It's still a little early to sound the alarm on the fact that the tree doesn't have any buds. It may have been stressed over the winter and is just now waking up. The best thing you can do is keep the tree as healthy as possible with proper watering. Redbuds don't like to sit in water nor do they like to be drought stressed.
From the photo it does not appear that the crack is oozing which is a good thing.
It's not uncommon for redbuds to sucker at the base which does indicate growth at the roots. You may cut off the suckers at any time.
It's still a little early to sound the alarm on the fact that the tree doesn't have any buds. It may have been stressed over the winter and is just now waking up. The best thing you can do is keep the tree as healthy as possible with proper watering. Redbuds don't like to sit in water nor do they like to be drought stressed.
