New Redbud issue - Ask Extension
Hello, we planted a redbud sapling
From the Arbor Day Foundation about 3 1/3 weeks ago, and some of its leaves are turning yellow with spots. Other ...
Knowledgebase
New Redbud issue #934942
Asked June 10, 2026, 9:01 AM EDT
Hello, we planted a redbud sapling
From the Arbor Day Foundation about 3 1/3 weeks ago, and some of its leaves are turning yellow with spots. Other leaves are still green, but some have spots. We have been watering it a lot, and the soil is moist where it is. Is there anything we can do about this?
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
The yellowing leaves are normal, and may be a combination of minor transplant shock (typical) and the aging-out of older leaves, especially since they are leaves further back on the new growth, which are older than the foliage towards the branch tips. Make sure the sapling isn't over-watered (Redbud has a limited tolerance for soggy soil; our Watering Trees and Shrubs page has guidance), but otherwise, it looks good.
The small amount of leaf spotting is common and not concerning; a variety of leaf spot infections can be present on plants during the growing season, but they don't cause serious or long-term damage to the plant's health, even if they're an eyesore. Avoid wetting the leaves when you water (only water the soil, if possible), because the longer foliage remains wet, the easier it can be for pathogens to infect the tissue. If leaf wetness can't be avoided when watering, try to water early enough in the day so they can dry by nightfall.
Miri
The small amount of leaf spotting is common and not concerning; a variety of leaf spot infections can be present on plants during the growing season, but they don't cause serious or long-term damage to the plant's health, even if they're an eyesore. Avoid wetting the leaves when you water (only water the soil, if possible), because the longer foliage remains wet, the easier it can be for pathogens to infect the tissue. If leaf wetness can't be avoided when watering, try to water early enough in the day so they can dry by nightfall.
Miri
