You’ve probably heard that many people plant redbud trees in their yards, as they are pretty ornamental trees. Perhaps you are considering adding redbuds to your own yard, but before you do, you’d like to know: are redbud tree roots invasive? Do they make good ornamentals, and are there any drawbacks to planting them in your yard? Keep reading as we answer these questions and more.
What You'll Learn Today
Are Redbud Trees Invasive?
Some trees, especially certain non-native species like the Bradford pear, are known for having invasive root systems. The roots of these trees spread quickly and destructively, taking over other plants and damaging structures like sidewalks, roads, and foundations of houses.
Fortunately, redbud trees do not have invasive roots. They grow natively from Texas and Nebraska eastward, and their shallow root systems are not known for invading other plant species or causing damage to manmade structures.
In fact, redbuds are often planted as ornamentals along sidewalks and roadways. Thanks to their small, tight roots, they are an excellent choice for planting in small spaces and growing near concrete structures in built-up areas.
That said, as with any tree, it’s important not to plant redbuds too close to your house. The roots do need some space to spread out, and they can cause foundation damage if they are not provided with a sufficient growing area.
Are Eastern Redbuds Good Ornamental Trees?
Eastern redbuds are among the redbud species commonly grown as ornamental trees. These pretty trees rarely grow larger than 20 to 30 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide, so they are a great choice for planting in urban spaces.
As noted, they are often planted alongside roads and sidewalks. They may also be planted in public areas like parks or green spaces at businesses.
Their showy spring flowers, pretty summer foliage, and compact size are all points in their favor for anyone who wants to plant eastern redbud trees as ornamentals. The fact that they are not invasive is also a good reason to plant them, as they are better for the local ecosystem and you won’t have to worry about them taking over the plant life in your yard.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Planting Eastern Redbud Trees?
There are pros and cons to everything, and eastern redbuds are no exception. Though they make excellent ornamental trees, they do have some minor drawbacks you should be aware of.
Redbud trees can fall prey to a wide variety of fungal diseases, especially when they are young. Many of these diseases can be fatal, so it’s important to keep an eye on your tree, trim away any diseased branches immediately, and call for an arborist to provide professional treatment if you suspect your tree is sick.
Another thing to keep in mind is that redbuds don’t have very long lifespans. Even trees that don’t succumb to fungal disease typically die within 20 to 30 years, so if you’re looking to plant a tree that will be there for a long time, you’ll probably want to choose something else.
Where Does the Eastern Redbud Tree Grow?
Eastern redbud trees grow throughout the eastern half of North America. Redbuds can be found growing as far west as Texas, as far north as Canada, and as far south as Florida.
As this wide distribution suggests, redbud trees can grow in a variety of habitats and climates. Some cultivars are more drought-tolerant than others, though most prefer a moist, temperate environment.
They grow well in many different types of soil as long as it is loose and well-draining. They don’t do as well in compact clay soils, which make it hard for their roots to spread out and find the proper amount of water.
Eastern redbuds grow well both in wooded regions and urban areas. They grow equally as well beside a stream as they do in a park, beside a sidewalk, or in a backyard.
In their native habitat, these small trees grow in the wild, reproducing by dropping seeds and thriving in the partial shade of taller trees. They provide food and shelter for an array of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and insects.
Check out this video to learn more about the eastern redbud tree:
Conclusion
Redbud trees make great ornamental plants in part because they are not invasive. Their roots need plenty of space to spread out, so they should not be planted too close to a house; that said, they have shallow root systems that coexist well with others in their environment. Redbuds are not known for causing structural damage or choking out other plants.
If you’re looking for more information, you check out our comparison against cherry blossom trees.
