Training Eastern Redbud Trees

A friend recently said she didn't like Eastern redbuds because they tend to not grow straight. I couldn't help but say it helps if you're not regularly mowing them over but she does have a point; these lovely native Missouri trees do have a tendency to bow.

Tie Eastern redbud Trees to Help Them Grow Straight

Over the years, I have easily reduced that tendency by tying the young Eastern redbuds to encourage them to grow straight. Nothing difficult, I use twine and make sure the temporary fix is easily seen by anyone who may walk by, especially me, so I don't end up tripping myself.

I tie young Eastern redbuds to nearby older trees to help them grow straight.

When I see the twine start to sag or break, it's time to check the tree to see if it can stand up on its own.

It can take 1-2 growing seasons to get the straight line you want but it is worth it to keep these lovely native Missouri trees in your landscape.

Eastern redbuds add a lovely canopy of pink to my Missouri spring garden.

Not all trees should be ramrod straight, I like the flowing curves Eastern redbuds create throughout my hillside garden.

Since deer have discouraged me from planting tulips, I like having Eastern redbud trees to give my garden a splash of pastel spring pink!

Charlotte

The Pink in a Missouri Spring

Redbuds in full bloom March 30, 2016 in bluebird gardens, my hillside Missouri garden and apiary.

Missouri has a number of spring flowering trees and one of my favorites is the Eastern redbud. A smaller tree that blooms between native Serviceberry and elegant Dogwoods, redbuds welcome spring with a burst of pink and purples hues against grey stems.

One of my blooming redbuds early morning starting to show heart-shaped leaves.

Eastern Redbud Trees Have a Variety of Uses

Once blooms end, tiny heart-shaped leaves start to appear, covering the trees in green for the rest of the growing season and giving light shade to any garden. They are a good understory tree.

Birds like the tiny seeds; white-tailed deer like the leaves.

Eastern redbud is also a nectar source for my bees and a great salad garnish, the tiny pink flowers are edible.

The tiny flowers of Eastern redbud are edible and a nice pop of color in a salad.

Redbuds Have Been A Favorite Landscaping Tree

Some people go to great lengths to add redbuds to their landscape, Eastern redbud has been used an an attractive ornamental since 1641, according to Don Kurz, who wrote Shrubs and Woody Vines of Missouri.

I was lucky enough to have them as ample volunteers so all I had to do was trim them into shape. I focused on letting them surround my house and property, forming a pink canopy over my daffodils. I also tied a few to nearby trees to make sure they grew straight but in terms of work, these trees have been a lovely gift.

Charlotte