When is it time to trim a redbud?

[Bertha Venation]

We have a small redbud. We gave it up for dead a few years ago, but last year it came back to life. We neglected it, but I want to take care of it.

I know nothing about caring for trees. It has several branches that are low to the ground and more little branches continue up the scrawny little trunk. I sense that these need to be cut off, but I'm not sure. And if they need to be cut off, I don't know when to do it.

Can you offer some advice, please? Thanks.

[mopinko]

1. the rule of thumb is

flowering trees and shrubs should be pruned right after blooms fade.
there is a fair amount to know about pruning, but mostly it is pretty logical.
a real good tree care web site-http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm
also a great place to buy trees.

[XemaSab]

2. Any time is okay, but if it's not leafed out yet do it now

Just be careful not to take too much off at a time.

Eastern redbuds can have a really nice form. It's an attractive tree.