Redbud Tree Planting | Spring Season Garden Ideas

Springtime is just around the corner and what better way to enjoy this season than to see a beautiful redbud tree blossom? Read on if you want to take delight in seeing the redbud tree bloom!

Redbud Tree: Learn How To Grow One In Your Garden

The redbud tree is one of the plants commonly found in landscaping. It blooms with pink or lavender flowers on its twigs during early spring. But, you're sure to enjoy the beauty of this tree even when the flowers start to fade as it bears heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in color come fall season. What really amazes me is the redbud tree bears edible flowers and leaves! Yes, you read that right! The flowers have a sweet-sour taste perfect to add to your pancake batter, muffins, or salads. The young leaves of the redbud tree can also be tossed in your salads. So, are you ready to get your green thumbs working? Scroll on for a step-by-step guide to planting the beautiful redbud tree.

Step One: Determine Your Hardiness Zone

There are several varieties of redbuds including the Chinese redbud, Judas tree, and Western redbud. For this guide, we'll be focusing on the Eastern redbud tree variety.

Determining your hardiness zone and which variety grows best in your area will help ensure the success of growing a redbud tree in your garden. Redbuds grow best in zones 4 to 9. These beautiful ornamental trees can be commonly found throughout the eastern United States, extending west to Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Step Two: Select A Planting Site

The best planting site for an Eastern redbud tree is about 6 to 8 feet away from structures approximately 3 feet from your fences. Your selected planting site must let the tree receive plenty of sunlight with partial shade during afternoons. This ornamental treethrives on well-drained soil so avoid areas where the soil can become soggy or near standing water.

Step Three: Test Soil pH Level

Once you've established your planting site, clear a circular area of 3 to 4 feet of any weeds, grass, plants or debris. Afterwards, test the soil pH level. The Eastern redbud tree can grow in different types of soil and pH levels but it will grow best in soil having a pH level about 7.5. If the soil pH level is low, you can add agricultural lime to reach the 7.5 pH level.

Step Four: Spread Compost

To improve the texture of the soil as well as soil drainage, spread compost in your planting site. Use about 4-inch layer and incorporate the agricultural lime (if there's a need to raise soil pH level). With about 3 feet diameter and 1 foot deep, compost into your planting soil with the use of a shovel. You would want to loosen the soil as the roots of the tree will establish better in loose soil.

Step Five: Prepare Redbud Tree

If you purchased a burlap-wrapped tree, remove the twine then cut open the burlap. Fold the burlap down a few inches. Afterwards, pull out the tree from the temporary container. Loosen the outer roots of the root ball by rubbing it gently. Don't forget to uncurl the roots wrapping around the root ball as well.

Step Six: Dig A Planting Hole

When you're done preparing your Eastern redbud tree, it's now time to dig a planting hole! The planting hole should measure twice the width of your tree's root ball. On the other hand, the depth must be up until the top of the tree's root zone.

Once your planting hole is ready, you can now place your Eastern redbud tree in it. See to it that the tree sits straight. Using the removed soil from digging, fill the hole about halfway then water it to let the soil settle. Continue to fill in the rest of the planting hole then water it again.

Step Seven: Mulching

Spread about 4 inches of mulch in your planting site. Choose a mulch that decomposes gradually such as those made from wood chips. Mulching helps prevent weed growth and conserve water in your planting soil.

Get to know more about the Eastern redbud tree by watching this video:

So have you decided to plant a redbud tree in your garden? You can plant redbud trees during spring, fall, or even winter! Just avoid planting this ornamental tree during the hot summer or hard freeze. Soon, you'll be relaxed looking at this beautiful tree and enjoy eating its flowers and leaves! Happy gardening!

Do you have some tips on planting the redbud tree? I would love to hear them so share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Are you planning to preserve the blooming flowers in your garden but don't know how? Check out these 7 different ways to help you out!

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Featured image via David James