Best time of year to plant a redbud tree?

Brownie_1234

I live in Missouri if that helps.

MIL says fall, but I swore I read somewhere that spring was better.

TIA! 

~NB~

I plant all year long, because that's how I make my living. As long as the ground isn't frozen, I can dig.

Fall is an ideal time to plant. However, my planting schedule is driven by the availability of plant materials more than anything else; so I feel very strongly that the best time to plant any particular plant is whenever you are able to find a really healthy, good quality specimen. Right now I'd give my eye teeth for a large, healthy Celeste Fig tree and a Carolina Silverbell. None have been available (or the quality has been very bad) for months.

Brownie_1234

Thanks for the advice!

TarHeels&Rebels

It's true that you can plant any time of the year, but planting in the fall will be much easier on your plants.  Fall is better because there's no heat stress on your plants - they get to adjust to your site in nice temps, then go dormant for winter, then have all spring to get set before being sorched all summer.

It's been 100 degrees here for two months, so planting in the summer in the here isn't a good idea.  I planted two maple trees in early May and they are NOT happy.  Their roots just don't go deep enough to withstand the heat and drought we're in.  And that's essentially the argument against planting in spring.  But if you live in one of the northernmost states with a very mild summer, you can.