I find it easier in fall because I can see the structure of the spring...

Sometimes I wait until late winter to see what damage has occurred from weather and deer.

Some things are just so obvious I prune whenever. Like them branches I can't mow under!

Nice redbud btw. Prune it into a shape which works for you but understand redbuds with their zig zag leafing pattern seem to like uniqueness.

I think it is a pretty and healthy tree. The bend is odd. Maybe you can use a bamboo stick or similar and make a splint to straighten the bend. I honestly don't see a need to prune anything right now.

here is an illustration ofcwhatvim suggesting

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+straighten+a+crooked+tree+branch&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=ivsn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjD3KSbzbXNAhUT9mMKHRLgAZAQ_AUICCgB&biw=320&bih=460#imgrc=414s2bJeKm1WtM%3A

As is nearly always the case, leave it well enough alone for a while-to sort things out itself, which BTW trees are adept at doing. You don't see a lot of morphodite trees in areas having natural tree growth. They "know" what they're doing....if only humans would leave the cotton-picking things alone.

I do not personally favor little bits of sticks and bamboo tied to tree parts. I've yet to wander in the woods and see this in action.

Don't force the main branch to bend up. You can probably cut it back if desired. Redbuds have peculiar habit of growing a leader that eventually bends horizontal. The next year, a new branch takes over and increases the height of the tree again and so on. So you eventually end up wit a zig zag pattern to the trunk. It's a young tree. I would give it some time to sort itself out.

I manipulate growth pattern all the time w/plumeria and brugmansias. If you don't, you may have ugly trees that don't usually "fix" themselves. You remove the stakes eventually, it's not meant to be there forever. Yes I've had a few instances In which it was questionable whether I helped tree but few and far between. Deciduous magnolias, jap maples, redbuds benefitted from my helping along w/ a stake and or splints.

I agree with bossyvossy, manipulate the growth pattern and keep any extremely low hanging growth removed

Thanks everyone! But what about cutting back the long branches? Even if not now, maybe end of season or beginning of next - is it ok to cut them back a bit?

why? it doesn't look bad, don't be a tree butcher

You could cut them back to just beyond a sub-branch or bud if needed, but, as everyone has said, I see absolutely no indication (not even close) that that is needed at this point!

If you do decide to cut back the long branches be sure and do some reading on how to direct growth via pruning and make your choices carefully. If you don't know what you are doing you can ruin the lovely shape this baby already has.

i_like_pi's comment "It's a young tree. I would give it some time to sort itself out." is really the best advice in the thread.

I have one that the lead branch is REALLY bent over. Funny looking. Not sure to cut it back or what.