You can go with either, I think. The only drawback about the redbud is that they produce copious seed. If any flower beds are close by, you'll be pulling seedlings out (unless that particular cultivar is sterile).

another thought is the red leafed form of mimosa (JCRA had one). their shade is quite dappled, and no need to worry over leaves in fall- but they have the same issue as the redbud- they seed everywhere. not much of a problem where you can mow, but in beds- what a pain! and of course, they are non native, unlike redbuds. i know old stage nursery did carry the forest pansy redbud- another red leaved form. i wonder if the shade may be a bit too dense, though. those leaves are big and cover a lot of area, even though the canopy is open. serviceberry also has edible fruit- a nice bonus. there's some stunning rhus (sumac) cultivars that would provide dappled shade- but you'd have to pay a premium. some of the more open formed japanese maples could work, too, though they do have greedy roots. even crepe myrtles provide dappled shade. think small leaves, and open spreading canopies. might be worth your while to go to some retail high end nurseries and see what seems to fit, what you like the look of, and what they could recommend to get ideas. also, look at public gardens to glean ideas.

since we're more of a mind that if it's green, mow it- who cares what it is, i've never worried over grass, or bothered to learn too much. but, i thought grass liked full sun? not true?

Thanks for the suggestions, folks.

About the grass: it will probably do okay whatever I put there. It's just that after going from not having any appreciable sun to grow decent stands of grass (took a lot of trees out because of a them being a threat and their physical condition) and planting more desirable trees that aren't a threat to my house and offer more sunlight, now I'm plagued with the sun being too hot for the grass because it's straight sun from morning until dusk in most of the yard. The heat just burns the grass up, and with water restrictions I have to find some more shade.

So, I'm gonna plant some shade. Hopefully, it will be enough to offset some of the hot areas.

Have you considered crepe myrtle? Tough as nails in the hot sun. There are so many different varieties, sizes and are easy to shape (no crepe murder, please!).

Another thought is for prunus mume (25x25), flowering apricot. While those need more moist soil and part sun to full sun, I've seen some in really tough situations. Camellia Forest (outside Carrboro/Chapel Hill) has quite a variety of those. They have some 5 ft trees available (fast growers) that they prune down to 3.5 ft for mail order. You could probably get one that isn't pruned. They run around $30 each. They have other trees, too.

Of course, flowering cherry, like prunus serrulata 'Kwanzan' will work. I have one of those in full sun.

My favorite blooming tree is chionanthus retusus. The lady at The Unique Plant has a glorious one (in the ground) that is around 15 years old.

Evodia danellii is another beautiful flowering tree.

If you would consider a tree that doesn't bloom, Zelkova seratta 'Green Vase' is a nice shaped shade tree that can handle harsh sun and is frequently used along streets.

Hope this is helpful.
Cameron

Here is a link that might be useful: Camellia Forest

How about planting some standard-sized fruit trees? That way you get shade and fruit. Your local cooperative extension can help you with which are best for your area.

yes, but he wanted dappled shade and most fruit trees would cast too much shade. not to mention, they really don't like root competition to do well- so planting grass beneath them is a no-no.

Ahhh, Chinese fringetree. I like it too, but a little too much of a dense crown, I think. I am also not interested in fruit trees for a number of reasons, but tamelask's explanation will do. Kwansan's I like a lot, but I already have 2, but probably would consider another if all else fails.

BTW, an arborist corrected me some time ago saying that kwansan should actually be spelled and pronounced kansan, dropping the w. He said that someone started the misspelling and it just continued. I told him thanks for the info, but it was falling on deaf ears...it was kwansan to me, 'cause that's what I first heard and that's it.

Cameron, thanks for all the lengthy input and your time. And also to tamelask who has been a great help.

How about Zelkova? It is vase shaped and will allow sunlight to get to your turf.

Here is a link that might be useful: NCSU Plant Files - Zelkova serrata

Thanks for suggestion, pfmastin. I'm ont that familiar with Zelkova, but I'll check up on it. I'm running out of room, but I'll always make a spot for a nice tree and plant.

Update: I'm getting my "Appalachian Red" Redbud (NCSU calls it Appalachia) planted Friday. Just in time for blooming. Can't wait.