How to Transplant Western Redbud Bare Roots

Choose a planting location that receives sun all day. Although the western redbud tolerates dappled shade, it blooms more profusely when it gets a full day of sun.

Plant the western redbud immediately after purchasing it. If you must wait, place the roots in a bucket and cover them with water.

Dig a saucer-shaped hole three times the width of the root mass. The hole should be deep enough so that the western redbud sits at the same depth as it did in the nursery. You can determine this depth by checking the lower part of the main stem for a soil line.

Lay the western redbud’s roots on the bottom of the hole and use your fingers to spread them out in all directions. Shovel in enough soil to cover them and work the soil around the roots with your fingers.

Add water to the hole to cover the roots, and allow it to drain. This helps the soil settle around the roots.

Fill the planting hole halfway with soil and the rest of the way with water. When the water drains, fill the hole with soil. Use your hands or feet to lightly press the soil around the base of the western redbud.

Form a soil ring around the western redbud at its dripline. Pack the soil until it is 5 inches thick and 2 inches tall. Fill the ring with water and allow it to drain and fill it again whenever the tree requires irrigation. Keep the soil moist at all times while the western redbud gets established.