I live in central pa. I really like the looks of the eastern redbud tree. When would be the best time to plant one ??? THANKS !!

It's best to plant it in the spring or fall. If you get a potted plant, you can plant at any time, but you'll have to make sure it's watered regularly. Apply a mulch around the tree to help it retain water & keep out weeds.

Cercis canadensis L. (Eastern Redbud) IS a beautiful tree:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Redbud

Thought you'd enjoy this Tree Growers Diary :
http://treegrowersdiary.com/easternredbud.html

This redbud does well in full sun, partial shade.The Eastern Redbud grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well drained, wide range, clay soils.
http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ID=6

"They need some cold weather to form flower buds, but in the northern parts of zone 5, they should probably be planted in a protected area for the best bloom. Although the redbud will tolerate partial shade it blooms best in sunny locations, particularly in the north. Redbuds tolerate a wide range of soil conditions as long as the area is well drained; they will not grow in wet areas. Redbud trees are excellent for naturalized settings, at the edge of woodlands. They are beautiful against a background of dark evergreens."
http://www.gardenandhearth.com/Plant-Guides/Redbud-Trees.htm

Here's a nice variety: Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' :
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=R400

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

I think spring or fall is ok as long as you keep it well watered and staked it should be ok.I would definitly build a moat around the bottom of tree so when you water the tree gets all the water no run off.

Now up to early March, Feb would probably be best.

Early fall is the best time to plant almost any tree. However, you can plant one in early spring if you water it dilligently during the summer. It will need a very deep, long watering about once a week. I usually turn a hose on very low pressure and leave it for about 30 minutes at the base of the young tree.

After the first year, they usually don't need to be watered at all, unless they are showing signs of drought stress, or it hasn't rained in a month or tow.

Here's a good website about how to plant a tree:
http://www.treehelp.com/howto/howto-plant-a-tree.asp

Redbuds respond best to being planted in the spring, which is when they are going to be available in your area. They will be container grown, or if you get a large one, balled and burlapped.

Whichever you choose, you need to water them for the first few weeks with a soution of root stimulator, to help them get a good start. If you get one in a container, take a good look at the roots. If they seem pot-bound, loosen the roots gently with your fingers, especially any roots that have grown all the way around the root ball.

Plant it to the depth it was growing in the pot, in a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the pot. Do not mound up the soil around the trunk, rather make a sort of rim around the filled hole so it will hold water when you water it in.

Soak it with the root stimulator solution and let it soak in well, then turn a hose on it so it just trickles, and leave it overnight. Do this about once a week for a couple of months.

Be sure and water it regularly if it doesn't rain, for the first year. After that, redbuds are tough and can survive on their own except in times of extreme drought. I have never watered mine, and I have a dozen or so in my yard. They are beautiful in early spring.

There is also a white variety that looks wonderful with the pink/purple ones.