Watch and wait. Redbuds frequently lose large branches a nd/or spit over winter.

ive lost enough every winter that mine’s now 3/4 of a tree.. whats left of the canopy is so pretty it has a reprieve despite such uncooperative behavior.

that split may grow more especially if you live in a cold climate.

OTOH it may live some more years and give you pleasure. if that kind of uncertainty makes you uneasy take it down and put in something with stronger wood. The redbud will never be a strong resilient tree so cut your losses and get going growing a better one. so many lovlies: syrax, fringe,cornus mas, sourwood, small japanese maple,, paperbark maple., franklinia Just do a bit of research and avoid species that have known problems.

if you would be so kind , please add your zone next to your name. something like this:

My Houz

edit ? user name.

then after your name ON THE SAME LINE add your zone and nearby population center

( “ zone ”5” alone could be some where in 40 states)

good luck

marie

I lost several large redbuds due to splitting after major winter ice storms. Redbuds may grow in a shrubby manner where the multiple trunks or tree crotches are more prone to splitting.

The split on your tree is large. Wait and see but don’t be surprised if you lose it. It’s possible a licensed arborist could bolt the tree by drilling through both sides of the split. I had this successfully done 7 years ago for a mature coral bark maple that split after a freak fall ice storm.

It would require some skilled cutting, but one could cut off the smaller split at the base of the split. That would leave a very large section of exposed wood, but at least that would halt the continued splitting downward. Actually, my largest redbud has the same issue, but since I have 6 smaller redbuds which are growing rapidly, I'm just gonna leave it do what it will.

PS As Design says, it would also be possible to drill thru the split and install an all-thread rod w/washers and nuts on the ends to stop more splitting. I've even done that before on a ice-storm split sour cherry, but it isn't for someone without experience.