Whats Wrong With My Eastern Redbud Tree?

Q. Could you tell what is the problem with my eastern red bud tree? I sent you pictures.

Leaf damage to Eastern redbud growing in southern Nevada.
Eastern redbud is an understory tree in the eastern US
and does not handle harsh environments well

A. The redbud problem is pretty common with this tree and our soils and climate. Western Redbud is more tolerant than the Eastern Redbud of our conditions and would be a preferred tree for the Western United States.

            Western redbud may not be easy to find in the nurseries but it is worth a look. Another tree that might be even a better selection for you would be the Mexican redbud which looks very similar and would give you a similar impact to the Eastern redbud.

            The problem you are seeing on the leaves, scorching and discoloration, will always be a problem in this climate and soils with that tree. Eastern redbud is an understory tree in the eastern part of the United States which means it does not handle full sun very well even in the cooler parts of this country. Think of the problems it will have in our desert climate, high light intensity and alkaline soils.

            I usually encourage people to try something new but this is a small tree that you would have to babysit for many years to come even if you've found the right spot for it. I would encourage you to look for the Mexican Redbud if this is going into a desert or rock type landscape.

See what a Mexican redbud looks like