Hello Mrs. King I live in S.E. PA. (New Freedom), and I too have an Eastern Red Bud tree that was severely in need of some pruning and tlc when I moved here. I pruned the dead limbs out of the tree and it looked pretty sad for the next year or so. But after about the second year, the tree grew about 10 Ft to 15 Ft in height and is fuller/healthier than ever. Hope yours fares the same. (Try a tree fertilizer spike about a yard or so from the trunk. It helped for me!)

Fertilizer spikes are a waste of time and money. Tree roots are not concentrated in a specific area - they radiate out from the trunk in a roughly circular pattern. Putting in a single spike in one location misses 95% of the root system and just leaches unused nutrients into the groundwater. If you have fertilizer spikes and want to use them, smash them up with a hammer into a more granular form and then sprinkle them around the dripline of the tree where the bulk of the feeder roots are located. Otherwise, just purchase regular granulated tree fertilizer, if it is needed.

I have had an eastern redbud tree for 7 years. I've noticed some of the middle branches are dying. I pruned it last fall. Hoping it doesn't die. Any suggestions, thank you

It would help if you told us more about the growing conditions, is it planted in poor soil, full sun , in your yard and you have a lawn service that treats your yard. Remember these trees are typically found in the woods, nice soil, and some shade.

I have seen many instances of branch die back in SE PA . Some like yours and some much worse. Take a photo and a sample to you local county extension office. They will be able to help id and provide what works best in your area. Fertilizer may only be a temporary fix. I too am not a fan of fertilizer spikes. Even distribution of a granular fertilizer like Espoma Tree Tone or a similar product may help. Or like gardengal suggests, smash them up and spread.