Good Evening Cheri, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

From viewing your photos, I can see the dead branch. Could it have been damaged by the wind? Is the branch broken?  Have you inspected the dead leaves, live leaves and the branches for signs of disease or insects? 

Please click on the following link about redbud trees: ww.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280440&isprofile=1&basic=Cercis%20canadensis

This information states: 

Problems

Canker can be a significant disease problem. Verticillium wilt, dieback, leaf spots, mildew and blights may also occur. Insect pests include Japanese beetles, tree hoppers, leaf hoppers, caterpillars, borers, webworms and scale. Keeping the tree vigorous by regular watering, fertilization and pruning out dead branches as needed will help keep the tree healthy. Deer tend to avoid this plant.

From viewing your photo, the tree appears to be surrounded by rock and could be near a driveway. Have the roots been disturbed or chopped for any reason? 

To help the tree thrive, I would suggest removing the landscape rock below the tree. Replace it with wood chip mulch a few inches away from the trunk out to the drip line of the branches. The wood chip mulch will protect the roots, hold moisture and keep the roots cool.  The landscape rock appears to heat up with the hot sun, reflecting the heat and heating up the surrounding soil and also the roots. I am assuming you watered it during the past two or three drought years. 

Here is another link about pruning trees in late winter: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs

Good Luck!

Cheri, 

Here is a link to finding a certified arborists, if you choose to hire one: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

Good Luck!

You are welcome!