Pruning Eastern Redbud - Ask Extension
My approximately 15-year old Eastern Redbud tree did not produce buds (and subsequently leaves) on numerous branches. Should I trim all such branches...
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Pruning Eastern Redbud #934412
Asked June 06, 2026, 9:27 AM EDT
My approximately 15-year old Eastern Redbud tree did not produce buds (and subsequently leaves) on numerous branches. Should I trim all such branches off, and if so, at what time in the year? Do I have to wait until the tree is dormant in the fall? It is more difficult to identify the dead branches after leaves fall in the autumn. Thank you for any advice you may have.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
I love this tree but it can be tricky. Its natural lifespan is 20-30 years under ideal conditions. Your tree is aging which means it is more susceptible to disease. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eastern-redbud-an-all-american-star
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/eastern-redbud-cercis-canadensis/
Perhaps this is winter dieback but I doubt it because some tips are ok and others are dead.
There are three major diseases or pests.
-Botryosphaeria canker (which causes lesions and branch dieback). https://purdueplantdoctor.com/factsheet/tree-13?form=MG0AV3
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-726/450-726.html
-Verticillium wilt (a soil based fungus especially in wet sites)
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/redbud-cercis-spp-verticillium-wilt
The possibility of of one of these is high. I would like a close up of an affected but not dead branch that is about 1/4 inch in diameter. I would also like you to diagonal slice that twig with a sharp blade and send a closeup of a cross section.
-Scale https://www.gardenia.net/guide/redbud-tree-pests-and-diseases
The above described picture of a twig will tell me if this is possible.
I love this tree but it can be tricky. Its natural lifespan is 20-30 years under ideal conditions. Your tree is aging which means it is more susceptible to disease. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/eastern-redbud-an-all-american-star
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/eastern-redbud-cercis-canadensis/
Perhaps this is winter dieback but I doubt it because some tips are ok and others are dead.
There are three major diseases or pests.
-Botryosphaeria canker (which causes lesions and branch dieback). https://purdueplantdoctor.com/factsheet/tree-13?form=MG0AV3
https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-726/450-726.html
-Verticillium wilt (a soil based fungus especially in wet sites)
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/host-disease/redbud-cercis-spp-verticillium-wilt
The possibility of of one of these is high. I would like a close up of an affected but not dead branch that is about 1/4 inch in diameter. I would also like you to diagonal slice that twig with a sharp blade and send a closeup of a cross section.
-Scale https://www.gardenia.net/guide/redbud-tree-pests-and-diseases
The above described picture of a twig will tell me if this is possible.
