Training Your New Weeping Redbud Tree
Training your new Lavender Twist Redbud into a tree is quite simple.
First, find a stake about 6-7 ft tall. A round piece of pipe or electrical conduit works well for staking. Drive it carefully into the ground next to the tree trunk until it is securely in the ground, about one foot deep. Avoid scraping the trunk or severing large roots below the surface.
Using a stretchy tying tape, tie the trunk to the stake at 1 foot increments until you get to the top of the stake. Tie the tree securely so it doesn't rub against the stake in the wind.
When the tree reaches the top of the 6ft stake, cut the terminal of the tree. This pruning of the terminal growth will encourage many side branches to grow from the tree forming an umbrella looking tree.
You should stake when you plant it, but avoid fall pruning, as we do not want to encourage new growth just before winter. Give it a good feeding next spring and you should have a nice tree by mid summer.
