What part of Zone 8? If you are in a hot climate the redbud may do fine in quite a bit of shade, although even in regions where these are native surely the crown is not as dense beneath other trees as it is in the open. Otherwise, both kinds of trees are frequently asked about due to problems with them dying back. And neither likes a damp, heavy soil - if that is what you have. It is possible you need to use something else entirely, such as a weeping crabapple - although if there is a lot of shade this is liable to look thin. And if the shade all comes from one side it will probably lean away from it in time.

can you link us to the JM forum post

thx

ken

We are in the coastal area (inner banks) of NC. There is shade (wetlands) on both sides of the property, and this tree would be about 100-125' from each side. We're not living there yet so don't know too much about the soil. From what I've seen, though, after a very heavy rain, water does seem to sit in parts of the driveway area where the soil has been packed down due to large truck tires.

Ken I'm sorry I don't know how to link you to the JM forum post since I'm very low-tech.

Here's the post on the Maples forum.

Here is a link that might be useful: OP's post to the Maple forum