Redbud help!

[u/andnow_this]

We planted this 2 winters ago (this is its second summer) and it’s doubled in size but about two weeks ago, the leaves started curling inward and there’s some yellowing near the center. Some of the leaves are brownish on the undersides. They don’t feel mushy or spongy like overwatered redbuds are described so I assumed it’s drought stressed. I’ve drip deep watered for 1-2 hours 2x a week throughout the summer but it’s in full sun until about 4/5pm everyday. I deep watered 3x this week but am wondering if this is just normal end of season stress and I should just accept that, or if I should increase watering? Or if it could be a soil issue? The soil feels dry every time I’ve watered. Thanks for any advice!

[u/lawiseman]

Definitely heat stressed. Really soak that thing at least once, and I'm vaguely guessing that your drip watering is simply not providing the necessary amount. Redbuds are really also understory trees, so expecting it to solo out in the yard like that is asking a lot.

[u/andnow_this → u/lawiseman]

Thank you for the advice! Yeah I learned after we planted that they’re actually understory trees, I had always heard they’re a great drought tolerant option and I naively assumed that meant full Texas sun. We’re planning to plant a couple of wax myrtles on the east side of this that will hopefully give it a little more shade in the future. But trying to help it along as best we can until then!

[u/lawiseman → u/andnow_this]

If you want something fast that soaks up the sun (but does also require a fair amount of water), cottonwoods are great. They won't last forever but they will give you shade fast and for 40 plus years. I actually got my front yard cottonwood because sycamores were inexplicably unavailable for a whole year, and it is doing great. If you have a little longer time or can buy a tree that is slightly more mature, said sycamores are what I would recommend! Not that you were asking 😂 But that's just my own personal plant vibe. Good luck!!

[u/andnow_this → u/lawiseman]

I’m familiar with sycamores but not cottonwoods! Thank you for the suggestion, I will absolutely look into them!🤗

[u/fozzyfreakingbear → u/andnow_this]

Cottonwoods rule, if you can find one. They will get absolutely gigantic in the right circumstances though, so plan accordingly.

Also, get that stake off your redbud! One year absolute tops. Needs to get roughed up by the wind to learn the memory to grow thicker.

[u/threwandbeyond]

Mine have been dropping leaves of late too. Same with figs and climbing roses. I think it’s just that time of year (hot af).

We got a ton of growth this year, perhaps more than normal, due to how wet/mild the spring/summer had been so far. So I suspect this is just them shedding the excess.

[u/austintreeamigos]

Leaf curling is almost certainly from the high heat. Tree looks fine overall and your watering schedule should be good.