The problem here is that the bark of western redbuds is prone to cracking in the sun, especially when unprotected by suckers, so it would be a wise practice to protect the base of the trunk with white latex paint, diluted to half strength with water.

Source: https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/02/11/this-drought-tolerant-ground-cover-is-cold-hardy-down-to-zero-degrees/