Atlanta, GA on Oct 27, 2011

Anyone out there think that a redbud tree is a good tree for in front of a townhouse that has approximately 8' x 8'

yard? This spot is irrigated and is in full sun for most of the day. When to plant? Care? Pros/cons? I think they are pretty! Thank so much!

12 Comments

Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

hmmmm.....even though a redbud is considered a small tree, my 'Forest Pansy' is easily 8' x 8' after four years of life. Look online for 'Dixie Colonnade' dogwood, a narrow, upright dogwood.

on Oct 27, 2011 · Like 0
Dana K Atlanta, GA

thank you, Walter. I will consider your suggestion. But, back to that Redbud- wouldn't it still work if the bough was up high enough to walk under? This would be very close to our front door/walk. Could it be slightly pruned/shaped to work in this space? We would love to see it out of the 2nd floor windows. Right now, we have elm trees but ours died after landscapers severely topped them. (sort of like crape murder- they look like lollipops-poor things- know they must be so embarrassed. ...»
Glad mine died and didn't suffer that humilation!) Since I live in a townhouse community, I do not have the freedom to choose any tree. There's already 1 redbud so I think they are going with it as the elms die. Your thoughts? Thanks again.

on Oct 27, 2011 · Like 0
Erica Glasener Atlanta, GA

Dana, There is a weeping redbud called 'Covey' or Lavender Twist that would work well in the setting you describe. Worth checking out. All the beauty of a redbud but perhaps not as large

on Oct 27, 2011 · Like 1
Mike and Anne Raleigh, NC

Great idea Erica, I planted a weeping redbud a couple of years ago near my patio and it is very striking and fairly slow growing. I too would recommend the Lavender Twist variety. Redbuds usually don't live as long as an oak or a maple, but should give you many years of pleasure. It should thrive in full sun.

on Oct 27, 2011 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

A nursery near me has a "Forest Pansy" that has been in the ground for awhile and it is BIG, and probably as wide as it is tall. Definitely not for a small space.

on Oct 28, 2011 · Like 0
David S Fayetteville, GA

AS AN ALTERNATIVE .......I HAVE A NEIGHBOR WITH A BEAUTIFUL DAPPLED WILLOW WHICH IS ABOUT 7' TALL ANF 5' WIDE . IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SPECIMAN . AND COUD BE PRUNED TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS AS THE YEARS GO BY .

on Nov 01, 2011 · Like 0
Erica Glasener Atlanta, GA

I would highly recommend that you not plant a willow in a small area like the one you describe, they grow quickly and can take up alot of space, in all directions, including the roots. Willows are great trees for large areas, but not close to a foundation.

on Nov 01, 2011 · Like 0
Dana K Atlanta, GA

Thank you all for the suggestions but this doesn't answer my question because I am limited to a redbud tree. This is what our HOA has decided to allow. So with that in mind, now I'm wondering what size and what specimen of the redbud would be best. (the weeping variety is not an option since there is already 1 redbud in place- don't know what variety but def not weeping.) We want as tall as is possible but want the tree to do well. Thanks again. This is an awesome site for info! Thanks to all for Home Talk!!

on Nov 01, 2011 · Like 1
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

Dana, I think you need to have a talk with your HOA because while a redbud may be considered a small tree, its mature size is routinely given as 20-25 feet tall AND wide. There is no truly upright cultivar that I know of. There is nothing worse than putting in a plant that is knowingly too big for its site. If you absolutely and positively have to have a redbud, you should seek out "Donald Egolf" , a slow-growing cultivar of Cercis chinensis (not the native Cercis canadensis) that should never get more than 10 x 10 feet.

on Nov 02, 2011 · Like 1
Erica Glasener Atlanta, GA

Douglas, an excellent suggestion. I have admired the redbud 'Don Egolf' at the Atlanta Botanical Garden for years and the blooms are great.
They did not specify the type, you could certainly use Don Egolf it looks like a classic redbud but the size is not the same. Here is a photo of it in spring with blooms and tulips
on Nov 02, 2011 · Like 1
Dana K Atlanta, GA

thank you, everyone.

on Nov 02, 2011 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

You're welcome, Dana. Good luck. Post a photo of the new tree when it goes in.

on Nov 02, 2011 · Like 0

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Anyone out there think that a redbud tree is a good tree for in front of a townhouse that has approximately 8' x 8'

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