IME, redbuds are a smaller, native version of Bradford pear. They get to a certain size, then they liable to explode.

I love redbud trees. But the four I had were short-lived (< 5 years). Three split under the weight of snow and one was wiped out by an oak branch dropping on it. If I ever planted another one, I would hand pick a more nature tree with a strong central leader to avoid any shrubbiness which makes them more susceptible to splitting.

I've grown 2 redbuds. I like them a lot. The 1st tree died. I think the neighbor's may have killed it. The second tree grew too big so I cut it down. There's a new tree growing and I'd like to keep it, but only if I can prune it in such a way that it will allow a lot of light through it. I want to use it as shade for ephemerals, but not shading out the sun loving plants.