Can you move a crepe myrtle tree?
Sometimes new construction or a neighbor's shade tree makes it necessary to move an already established crape myrtle to a new location. Most trees tolerate moving well, but it's important to move your tree at the right time of the year and to do so properly.
What zone do crepe myrtles grow best in?
They thrive best in hardiness zones 7-9. Transplanting a tree is never easy, but a crepe myrtle may be more likely to survive the move, as they are less sensitive to root loss. If you are considering moving your crepe myrtle, there are some steps that can be taken to improve the tree’s chance of survival.
What is crepe myrtle?
Crepe myrtle ( Lagerstroemia fauriei) is an ornamental tree that produces beautiful flower clusters, ranging in color from purple to white, pink, and red. Blooming usually takes place in summer and continues throughout fall.
Why is my crepe myrtle plant not growing?
Unfortunately, many crepe myrtle plants are not properly labeled at garden nurseries, and adequate planting advice is not given, so commonly, people will end up planting crepe myrtle in the wrong place, and when it outgrows this spot, it will have to be severely pruned to prevent it from impeding other plants or blocking out light in the home.
How do you dig up a crape myrtle?
How Do You Transplant Crepe Myrtle?Find a new spot for your tree and dig a hole 50% wider than its current one.Carefully dig around your crepe myrtle's roots and remove them from the ground.Prune off any dead sections from your tree's root ball using sharp scissors/shears.More items...•
Do crepe myrtles have deep roots?
Crepe myrtle roots do not sink taproots deep into the ground or send lateral roots out to crack anything in their path. In fact, the entire crepe myrtle root system is shallow and fibrous, spreading out horizontally up to three times as far as the canopy is wide.
Are crepe myrtles hard to remove?
Crepe myrtles, also known as crape myrtles or Lagerstroemia, can give your yard vibrant injections of white, pink-purple, and red when in bloom. But when they start causing problems through unruly branches or insect infestations, they can be quite difficult to remove thanks to their drought tolerance.
How long do crepe myrtles live?
around 25 yearsCrepe myrtles have a lifespan of around 25 years. However, some crepe myrtles have been known to live for 100 years or more! This tree does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
How far should a crepe myrtle be from the house?
Plant large type crape myrtles a minimum of 6ft away from a structure (house, etc). To create a look where the canopies of the plants will grow together and provide shade, plant Medium Crape Myrtles 6'-10' apart, and Standard (Tree) Crape Myrtles 8'-12' apart.
What happens if you cut a crepe myrtle to the ground?
Crepe myrtles will grow back when cut, although it isn't necessary to prune them all the way down to the ground.
When's the best time to transplant a crepe myrtle?
Transplanting the shrub in spring is another good option, provided you do this early, before the plant has started growing and new leaves appear, so roots can get partially established before top growth begins. You should wait until the ground is at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit for good results.
How far back can I cut a crape myrtle?
Cut the tree back to within one to two inches of the ground while the tree is dormant. After two to three weeks of growth, select three to five of the most vigorous new shoots on each trunk and remove all others. Remove any new shoots that emerge later.
Where is the best place to plant a crepe myrtle?
Crape Myrtles can be grown all over the USA, in any soil type. The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. If the site gets sun for part of the day then it's fine.
How far from a fence should you plant a crepe myrtle?
three feetIf you are planting against a fence, plant at least three feet from the fence, not right up against it, or your plants will not be bushy right to the ground. For a more solid screen you can even plant a double row, staggering the plants in each row.
How big is a crepe myrtle root ball?
Preparing for the Move To successfully move the tree, you'll need to move it with a root ball of at least two to three feet in diameter. A big crape myrtle may need an even bigger root ball to support it after transplanting.
How fast do crape myrtles grow?
Growth Rate This shrub grows at a fast rate, with height increases of more than 24" per year.
Timing is Everything
Although it can keep blooming even after the first frost, your crape myrtle will eventually lose both its flowers and leaves, entering a period of winter dormancy, This dormancy is the time to move your myrtle. Wait until late enough in the winter season that the soil is workable rather than frozen, but don't wait too long.
Preparing for the Move
Before disturbing your crape myrtle, prepare its new home. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for your tree. Dig a hole that's about twice the size of the root ball you plan to move. To successfully move the tree, you'll need to move it with a root ball of at least two to three feet in diameter.
Moving Day
Begin watering the soil around your crape myrtle daily about three or four days before the move to make transplanting it easier. On moving day, dig around and under the tree to create a two- to three-foot-wide root ball. As you dig, work around the tree's larger roots to preserve them.
Transplanting Crape Myrtle
Bring your freshly unearthed crape myrtle to its new home and place it in the planting hole. Gently spread the roots out with your hands to encourage the tree to stretch out into the soil. Position the tree so that the top of the root ball is even with the surface of the soil and backfill the hole.
Selecting the New Site
The new location for a crepe myrtle needs to be the right environment. Crepe myrtles thrive best in full sunlight. The new site also needs to have space for both vertical and horizontal growth. Do not transplant a crepe myrtle to an area that with have obstacles for growth in later years.
Pre-move Preparation
You can make the transplantation process easier by preparing the crepe myrtle in advance. Keep the crepe myrtle especially well-watered for the season before the move. The goal should be one inch of water weekly. This includes rain water.
Digging Out the Tree
To dig out a crepe myrtle, dig outside the range of the roots. This is done so as to leave the roots as undisturbed as possible. A crepe myrtle root ball can be two-three feet in diameter.
Protect the Branches During the Move
Branches, like roots, need to be protected during the move. If too many branches are lost during the transplanting process, it can affect the overall tree’s health. Wrap burlap around the crepe myrtle’s branches to provide some extra protection.
Replanting the Tree
Trees should be handled delicately during a transplantation. Do not drop the tree into the new hole. Make sure to gently lower the crepe myrtle to make the transition as easy as possible.
Conclusion
While transplanting a crepe myrtle isn’t easy, it is possible. Careful preparation of the new location, gentle removal from the previous home, and proper removal of damaged roots and branches can give the tree a much better shot at survival.
Transplant in Spring or Fall
Transplanting when the ground is too cold can put stress on the crepe myrtle.
Dig and Move the Plant
Wrapping the root ball in burlap protects the roots and make it easier to move the plant.
Is Pruning Crepe Myrtle Necessary?
The answer to this entirely depends on that cultivar of crepe myrtle you have, and where you have planted it. Research by the University of Florida indicates that if a suitable cultivar is selected and planted in an appropriate position, then you should never have to prune a crepe myrtle.
When to Prune Crepe Myrtle
The best time to prune your crepe myrtle depends on your reasons for pruning it. If you are removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches, then this can be done at any time of year and should ideally be done as soon as you notice an issue. To encourage blooming, prune immediately after flowers are spent.
Pruning to Encourage Blooming
Some gardeners suggest that a crepe myrtle should be pruned after flowering to encourage the plant to flower again. This is because dormant buds become stimulated when the ends of the stems are cut, and new flowers will develop at the tips of these cut stems.
Pruning to Promote Health
Crepe myrtle can become densely branched if allowed to grow as it pleases, and some people may be concerned that this isn’t good for the health of the tree. Certainly, in older varieties of crepe myrtle, the tree should have its branches thinned out to ensure good airflow to prevent disease.
Pruning to Maintain Size
If you have a large crepe myrtle tree growing in a position that doesn’t accommodate its size, then you’ll need to undertake annual pruning to keep it at a manageable size. The best practice to ensure good shape and health is to remove all of the tips of the tree.
How to Grow Crepe Myrtle from Seed
Once flowering ceases, crepe myrtles produce pea-sized berries. These berries eventually become seedpods. Once brown, these seedpods split open, resembling small flowers. These seed capsules usually ripen in the fall and can be collected, dried and saved for sowing in spring.
How to Start Crepe Myrtles from Roots
Learning how to start crepe myrtles from roots is another easy way to propagate crepe myrtle trees. Root cuttings should be dug up in early spring and planted in pots. Place the pots in a greenhouse or other suitable location with adequate warmth and lighting.
Crepe Myrtle Propagation by Cuttings
Crepe myrtle propagation by cuttings is also possible. This can be accomplished through softwood or hardwood cuttings. Take cuttings in spring or summer where they meet the main branch, about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm.) in length with about 3-4 nodes per cutting. Remove all the leaves except the last two or three.
Planting Crepe Myrtles
Once seedlings have germinated or cuttings have rooted, remove the plastic covering. Prior to planting crepe myrtles, relocate them and acclimate plants for about two weeks, at which time they can be transplanted to their permanent location. Plant crepe myrtle trees in fall in areas with full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
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Selecting The New Site
Pre-Move Preparation
- You can make the transplantation process easier by preparing the crepe myrtle in advance. Keep the crepe myrtle especially well-watered for the season before the move. The goal should be one inch of water weekly. This includes rain water.
Digging Out The Tree
- To dig out a crepe myrtle, dig outside the range of the roots. This is done so as to leave the roots as undisturbed as possible. A crepe myrtle root ball can be two-three feet in diameter.
Protect The Branches During The Move
- Branches, like roots, need to be protected during the move. If too many branches are lost during the transplanting process, it can affect the overall tree’s health. Wrap burlap around the crepe myrtle’s branches to provide some extra protection.
Replanting The Tree
- Trees should be handled delicately during a transplantation. Do not drop the tree into the new hole. Make sure to gently lower the crepe myrtle to make the transition as easy as possible.
Conclusion
- While transplanting a crepe myrtle isn’t easy, it is possible. Careful preparation of the new location, gentle removal from the previous home, and proper removal of damaged roots and branches can give the tree a much better shot at survival. Keep reading: 1. How to Transplant & Move an Azalea Bush 2. How To Transplant & Move A Fern