I've read that Redbuds don't like to be transplanted, so I have my fingers crossed for the Forest Pansy I bought last week. I am in z6b in the Appalachian mountains of southwest Virginia. I bought a FP Redbud that's about 8 feet tall and I am not sure where to plant it for my zone and conditions. The literature states full sun to partial shade. I have a spot I really prefer and I was hoping folks here would have opinions on if the location sounds good. It would get morning and early afternoon sun, then be partially shaded after about 2pm by a crabapple further down in the yard. The spot I like is outside the corner of a split rail fence that separates the yard from a patio by the back of the house - so the tree would be planted 25' or so from the corner of the house. One thing I've read (and seen in some of the pics in the database here) is that it can have a semi-weeping structure. I like that too, but wonder the fence will be obscured. Even if I had to prune out the lowest branches I wondered if it's habit would still be too low. I haven't seen a Forest Pansy Redbud other than at the nurseries. Any pros or cons to Forest Pansy Redbuds I need to know? Many thanks!

I've read they are understory trees, so your lighting sounds fine. I'm unsure about the rest though.

I think redbuds are beautiful home landscape trees. I don't know that I'd describe redbud growth habit as "weeping" but their canopies do spread horizontally and in my opinion are most attractive when allowed to develop multiple trunks — and those trunks might bump into your fence depending on how high and close the fence is. That can be somewhat controlled with early pruning.

Google images of them and look at tons of photos to get a sense of their natural form. Also go out to the proposed location with a measuring tape and measure the mature spread (25' to 35' depending on source) to see if there is adequate space, taking low angled trunks into account. One of the most common home landscaping mistakes is planting young trees where they eventually will be too crowded (to other trees, structures, fences, buildings, etc). Do believe what the label says about the mature dimensions!

The morning sun you described sounds good.

[quote="NMoasis"]1) <SNIP>... but their canopies do spread horizontally and in my opinion are most attractive when allowed to develop multiple trunks — and those trunks might bump into your fence ...

2) <SNIP>...That can be somewhat controlled with early pruning.

3) <SNIP>... Also go out to the proposed location with a measuring tape and measure the mature spread (25' to 35' depending on source) to see if there is adequate space, taking low angled trunks into account. One of the most common home landscaping mistakes is planting young trees where they eventually will be too crowded (to other trees, structures, fences, buildings, etc). Do believe what the label says about the mature dimensions!

1: Amen.
2) Emphasis on early.
3) Extra-special-secret Double Amen. To be clear (and probably a little overly emphatic) this does not mean you need to plant the tree 25 feet from your fence. If you imagine looking down on the mature tree and then picture a 25' circumference with its trunk roughly central you can judge where to plant it so that it has room to grow, be cared for and doesn't create a problem for your neighbors.

Hi Cindy:

Redbuds - grown properly by the propagator or nurseryman - are not difficult to transplant in sizes up to 3 - 4" caliper if field grown and moved B&B or with a tree spade. I don't think I've seen very large plants in containers, but a reputable nursery in central Indiana lists them up to 1.5" caliper in 15G pots ($189.00, as is, where is).

I agree with pretty much all the comments heretofore regarding lighting, siting, and elevating the canopy as early after establishment as you are willing - since smaller pruning cuts close their wounds more quickly.

If I were home, I could send you some mature FP pictures to show habit, but it is not different from the average Redbud habit.

There are some pics in the database on this site.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy')

A couple months ago I transplanted a seedling redbud about 3 - 4' tall from a hedgerow.
It wasn't the neatest operation as the redbud roots were well tangled w some mature trees.
Nonetheless, the operation should have been successful but the redbud never settled in & I'll be pulling the now dead redbud out & replacing it.
Thats my only experience transplanting one.

As you bought nursery stock, your odds should be much better than mine were.
Good luck w the tree.