Question
I want to transplant a small redbud tree from an area that is about to be under construction.  The tree's diameter is about 1.5" and the height is about 4'.  I will not have a place to plant the tree in the ground for 4-6 weeks.  Which would be better for the tree, transplanting to a large pot for a few weeks or waiting till I can move it directly to the next permanent location?

Answer
If you can it would be much better to wait and not move the tree twice. Each time you transplant a tree it loses some of its root system which is not good for the tree.

When you do move the tree here is the best method of doing this:

When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible.

Deciduous trees  can be successfully moved only if a ball of soil is left around the roots. The exposed roots should be protected with moist burlap or newspaper or with polyethylene sheeting. Every effort should be made to reduce root exposure to wind and sun, keeping the ball as moist as possible. It's best to prepare the hole before digging up the tree you wish to move.

Size of the root ball and size of the hole:

For deciduous trees  the soil ball should be:

Width = 9-12 in. in diameter/every 1 in. of tree diameter
Depth = 6 in./every 1 in. of tree diameter

For example: A tree trunk 2 inches wide would need a soil ball of 18-24 inches wide and 12 inches deep.

The new hole should be twice the size of the rootball and as deep. Fill with good top soil or potting soil and mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk. Water every third day with 1 inch of water --place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop. Do not fertilizer the tree fro the first year.