Question
QUESTION: I've been outside assessing my winter damage and I have noticed that half of my Redbud tree is dead. Only half of it is starting to bud. Is this normal and what can I do because I don't want to loose this tree? I've already lost a third of the tree last year due to a forced transplant by my association. Are redbuds a difficult tree?  The tree isn't that old (4yrs) or big (4').  I'm really concerned, I hope you can help.

Thank you very much.

ANSWER: Red bud is not any more difficult than any other tree. The transplanting more than likely damaged the root system and killed some of the roots. When this happens the tree reacts by shutting down some of the limbs in order that the roots can instead of using food for the leaves they grow more roots. I would make sure the tree has mulch put around it to help hold moisture and water the tree during dry spells. Mulch with an organic mulch about two feet around the tree and not more than 3 inches thick keeping the mulch off the trunk itself. Deep water when you water 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 fertilize the tree for a year--this will allow the roots to grow without the chance of burning them with the fertilizer.
After the tree has leafed out completely you can prune the dead branches off. If it makes it through the summer it should be ok.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well before I asked this question, I feed the tree, but I gave it plenty of water with it, should I still be concern that I did that.  Also, the fertilizer for the grass, will that harm it?

Answer
The fertilizer you put on the tree will be ok. Make sure you water if it does not rain for 5 or more days at least for a month.
IF you used a product called Weed and Feed or another fertilizer product that contains a herbicide for the lawn these products contain a herbicide that will not only kill the weeds in the lawn but can also kill the tree. Spraying a liquid herbicide for lawns is ok but the granular type will be taken up by the tree roots and at the least stunt the tree's growth and cause die back. Plain fertilizer for lawns without the herbicide will not hurt the tree.