So to make a point… to achieve the multi stem look, allow your Crape Myrtle to branch along the length of the stem and follow these steps
- Try to prune later in winter, February is ideal.
- Cut off suckers from the bottom, rubbing and cross growing branches and branches growing inward.
- Gradually cut off all side branches from the main base as the tree gets taller.
- Never leave lone or clustered stubs.
- Be sure to remove unwanted branches before they get too thick (thickness of a pencil).
How and when to prune crepe myrtle?
Where To Cut
- Consider Shape And Aesthetics. As you address structural issues within your crepe myrtle’s limbs, you should also be considering the big picture.
- Removing Lower Branches. Pruning the bottommost branches of your crepe myrtle can improve the shape. ...
- Pruning Weak or Old Growth. ...
- Thinning Out. ...
- When To Prune New Growth Suckers. ...
Should you trim crape myrtles?
Yes, prune them, by limbing up the tree. What if branches have grown and are touching a structure, or a roof, can they be pruned? Yes. When is the best time to trim or cut back crepe myrtles? Early spring before new growth is the best time to prune crape myrtles. Whenever you prune, you cause the tree to generate new growth.
How do you prune a crape myrtle?
This balance can be found by following a few simple (yet crucial) steps:
- Start pruning early on in the plant’s life
- Commit to a shape that suits your landscape
- Always leave the strongest branches intact
- Remove old or damaged limbs as soon as possible
- Avoid over-pruning the topmost branches
- Invest (and learn to use) the right tools for the job
When do you cut back crepe myrtle?
Yes. When is the best time to trim or cut back crepe myrtles? Early spring before new growth is the best time to prune crape myrtles. Whenever you prune, you cause the tree to generate new growth. New growth that starts now will not have time to harden off before frost.
How do you prune a mature crepe myrtle tree?
Cut off suckers from the bottom, rubbing and cross growing branches and branches growing inward. Gradually cut off all side branches from the main base as the tree gets taller. Never leave lone or clustered stubs. Be sure to remove unwanted branches before they get too thick (thickness of a pencil).
What month should crepe myrtles be cut back?
FebruaryFebruary is a good time to prune crape myrtles. It should be done before fresh growth appears in March. Its toughness makes crape myrtle a popular plant. They are fast-growing and highly adaptable.
How far down can you cut crepe myrtles?
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.
What if my crepe myrtle is too tall?
If your crape myrtle does become too tall for its location, you can prune the tree back to a more appropriate height- just don't make this a regular practice each year. It will take a little more time to prune correctly, but you will end up with a beautiful tree.
Can a crepe myrtle be topped?
Traditionally, many crapemyrtles were routinely topped, leaving large branch and stem stubs. This practice has been called “crape murder” because most people dislike the winter appearance, and many profes- sionals believe the practice impacts crapemyrtle health and structural integrity.
What happens if you don't trim crepe myrtles?
Leaving it alone will result in a pretty raggedy-looking tree, and it won't grow as quickly either. The new growth will emerge on its own from the fresh cuts, and if you trim at just the right point, you'll encourage way more blooms to appear.
Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground?
Unfortunately you must cut the tree completely to the ground, and don't be surprised when it grows back VERY quickly. The next winter, select three to five well-spaced trunks, and cut off any others at ground level.
Can you prune crepe myrtles in March?
A rule of green thumb: The ideal time to prune will be late winter, February or March; however, you can wait until April to prune your crape myrtle if you live in milder growing zones.
Can you cut crepe myrtles below the knot?
If you cut below the knot, a new knot forms in its place. The tree never reverts to its naturally beautiful shape, but through proper pruning of a crepe myrtle tree, you may be able to make the knots less noticeable.
How tall should a crepe myrtle be?
Mature Size. The common crapemyrtle grows to a height of 15–25' and a spread of 6–15' at maturity.
Can you trim crepe myrtles with a chainsaw?
You must understand a Crepe Myrtle is a tree, not a shrub. Therefore, do not take a chainsaw and cut all limbs off shoulder high. This is not the correct way to prune a Crepe Myrtle. Treat the plant as a tree.
Is it too late to cut crepe myrtles back?
Pruning as late as May will likely cause some delay in bloom time, and pruning later than May may delay bloom noticeably but will not harm the tree. Any branches you leave untouched will be unaffected, so as with any tree, removing poorly placed or dead/broken branches can be done at any time.
How often should you cut back crepe myrtles?
Crape myrtles are actually low-maintenance when it comes to pruning. Usually crape myrtles only need light pruning once the shape of the plant is established. When pruning, remember that new growth will emerge 3 to 4 inches below where the limb is cut.
Can you prune crepe myrtles in March?
A rule of green thumb: The ideal time to prune will be late winter, February or March; however, you can wait until April to prune your crape myrtle if you live in milder growing zones.
Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground?
Unfortunately you must cut the tree completely to the ground, and don't be surprised when it grows back VERY quickly. The next winter, select three to five well-spaced trunks, and cut off any others at ground level.
When should you prune?
Pruning to remove damaged, dead or diseased parts can be done at any time of the year. Most trees and shrubs, especially those that flower on current season's new growth should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth.
Available Mature Sizes
Crape myrtle is a typically low-maintenance plant. Choosing the cultivar best suited for the landscape situation prior to planting is the best way to ensure it doesn’t become a maintenance nightmare. Crape myrtles are available in dwarf & semi-dwarf shrub sizes, as well as small, medium, and large tree selections.
Excessive Pruning
The practice of chopping off the tops of crape myrtles, known as ‘topping’ is, unfortunately, very commonplace. Topping has been aptly named ‘Crape Murder’ by gardeners due to the murderous affect to the plants appearance resulting from the severe nature of the pruning.
Improving the Shape & Structure
Crape myrtle prefers hot, sunny climates and in South Carolina may grow to tree-size proportions. It is important tree types are sited where they have a large area to spread. When given an ideal location, these tree types should be allowed to develop their natural style without whacking off their tops.
Seed Heads
When removing seed heads or heading back a branch, make the cut just above a lateral bud.
Flowering
Flowers on crape myrtle are produced on new growth. Although it will produce larger flowers and bloom more profusely if lightly pruned, crape myrtle will produce plenty of flowers without any pruning. If pruning is necessary to stimulate new growth, prune in late winter or early spring.
Overgrown Plants
A common misconception is that a tree will flower better if severely pruned. This photo shows the flowering of a pruned (left) versus an unpruned (right) tree.
When you prune your Crape Myrtle the proper way it will will maximize blooms, promote new growth and give your plant a great shape
That said.. Your pruning is done in winter when the Crape Myrtle is dormant, between the months of December and February.
Simply put .. the "Suckers" are the new growth that comes from the base of the trunk
Most professional lawn care services and homeowners who know what they are doing will prune these off.
The Single Trunk
In my opinion , the single trunk Crape Myrtle is one of the more beautiful shapes the tree can take on with proper pruning, however, will require the most investment in pruning each year.
Multi-Trunk
The multi trunk look for Crape Myrtles is probably the most common professional trimming approach. It is relied upon by lawn care services all over the country to establish beautiful Crape Myrtle bushes full of blooms each spring and summer for their clients.
