Thank you for your question to Ask Extension. Yes, you can cut the tree down now but the roots may not be killed and may still send up suckers once the weather warms up. It would be best to wait until fall to cut down the trees and paint the stump with a brush-killer herbicide containing triclopyr or glyphosate. Fall is best because during that time the tree will take the herbicide down to the roots and you will get better results. Warm weather is the second best time to apply an herbicide to the stump. Applying an herbicide when the tree is dormant will not yield good results. When using any herbicide make sure you follow the instructions on the label. The label is the law.

If you do decide to wait until fall to cut the trees down and apply a herbicide to the stump you could use a pre-emergent weed killer in your garden to prevent the red bud seeds from germinating. This will only work if you get rid of existing weeds in your flower garden and if you start your garden plants as plants and not seeds because the pre-emergent granules will prevent all seeds from germinating. The pre-emergent weed killer should be applied in the spring or right after you plant your garden plants. Again, make sure you follow the instructions on the label.