How to Prune Crepe Myrtle: A StepbyStep Guide
How to Prune Crepe Myrtle?
To prune a crepe myrtle, it is important to do so conservatively, focusing on maintaining well-spaced main trunks and thinning out the center of the plant.
Late winter, especially February, is the best time to prune crepe myrtle as it is leafless and blooms on new growth.
Use essential pruning tools such as a hand pruner, loppers, and pole pruners or a pruning saw.
Always cut back to a larger trunk branch as close to the soil as possible and avoid leaving stubs.
Remove any suckers around the base of the tree and branches extending from the trunk below the 5-foot mark.
Cut all crossing, rubbing, and dead branches, and always cut back to another branch or just above an outward-facing bud.
Removing heavy clusters of seed pods can help prevent branches from weighing down.
If severely pruned, regrowth can be achieved by cutting the crepe myrtle completely to the ground.
If rounded off or “hat-racked,” thin shoots will grow from the stumps, and a four-step process is recommended for restoration.
Key Points:
- Prune crepe myrtle conservatively to maintain well-spaced main trunks and thin out the center of the plant.
- Late winter, especially February, is the best time to prune crepe myrtle as it is leafless and blooms on new growth.
- Use essential pruning tools such as a hand pruner, loppers, and pole pruners or a pruning saw.
- Always cut back to a larger trunk branch as close to the soil as possible and avoid leaving stubs.
- Remove suckers around the base of the tree and branches below the 5-foot mark from the trunk.
- Cut crossing, rubbing, and dead branches, and cut back to another branch or just above an outward-facing bud.
Did You Know?
1. In South Korea, crepe myrtle trees are known as “Queen of the Flowers” and are highly treasured for their vibrant blooms.
2. Contrary to popular belief, crepe myrtle trees do not actually require pruning to bloom. They can flourish just as well without any pruning at all.
3. The crepe myrtle’s bark peels off naturally, revealing a smooth and attractive trunk. This unique feature adds to the tree’s appeal and often becomes an eye-catching focal point in landscapes.
4. Crepe myrtle flowers vary in color, and interestingly, specific colors are associated with different meanings in the language of flowers. For example, white crepe myrtle flowers symbolize purity and innocence, while red ones represent love and passion.
5. Crepe myrtle trees are revered for their ability to attract a diverse range of wildlife, including butterflies and bees. Their clustered blooms serve as a rich source of nectar, making them a favorite among pollinators.
Understanding Crepe Murder
“Crepe murder” refers to the unnecessary and excessive pruning of crepe myrtle plants, which often ruins their appearance. This term is used to describe the common practice of cutting back the branches of crepe myrtles to stubs or knuckles every year. When crepe myrtles are pruned in this way, it results in unsightly stumps and weak branches incapable of supporting flowers.
Crepe myrtles are naturally multi-trunked trees that can grow quite large. However, the desire for neatness and control often leads to incorrect pruning techniques. It is important to understand that crepe myrtles thrive with minimal pruning and an emphasis on maintaining their natural shape. Pruning should only be done when necessary, with a focus on promoting strong branches and revealing the smooth bark on mature trunks.
Key points:
- “Crepe murder” refers to unnecessary and excessive pruning
- Pruning crepe myrtles to stubs or knuckles ruins their appearance
- Crepe myrtles are naturally multi-trunked trees
- Minimal pruning and maintaining natural shape is essential
- Prune only when necessary to promote strong branches and reveal smooth bark.
Pruning Objectives For Crepe Myrtle
The objectives of pruning crepe myrtle include maintaining the plant’s natural shape, promoting strong branches, and revealing the smooth, attractive bark on mature trunks. By following proper pruning techniques, you can ensure that your crepe myrtle remains healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
One of the main goals of pruning is to maintain well-spaced main trunks. It is recommended to limit the number of trunks to three to five, as more can lead to an overgrown and messy appearance. By thinning out the center of the plant, you can also allow better air circulation and sunlight penetration, which promotes overall plant health.
- Maintain natural shape
- Promote strong branches
- Reveal smooth, attractive bark
- Limit trunks to three to five
- Thin out the center for better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Essential Pruning Tools For Crepe Myrtle
To effectively prune crepe myrtle, you will need three essential tools: a hand pruner, loppers, and pole pruners or a pruning saw.
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A hand pruner is essential for trimming smaller branches and buds. It provides a clean cut and allows for precision pruning.
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Loppers, on the other hand, are useful for pruning thicker branches that are too large for a hand pruner. They provide greater leverage and enable you to make clean cuts without damaging the rest of the plant.
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For taller crepe myrtles or branches that are out of reach, pole pruners or a pruning saw are necessary. These tools allow you to reach higher branches and make controlled cuts.
It is important to choose quality tools that are sharp and well-maintained to ensure clean cuts and minimize damage to the plant.
Best Time To Prune Crepe Myrtle
Late winter, particularly in February, is the best time to prune crepe myrtle. This is because the tree is leafless during this period and blooms on new growth. Pruning during this time allows the plant to recover before the growing season begins. It also enables a proper assessment of the plant’s structure and shape, as there are no foliage obstructions to impede your view.
Pruning after the blooming period is not recommended, as it can inhibit the growth of new blooms. Additionally, pruning in the fall or early spring can stimulate new growth that may be vulnerable to frost damage.
Proper Pruning Techniques For Crepe Myrtle
When pruning crepe myrtle, it is important to follow proper techniques to ensure the health and appearance of the plant. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Always cut back to a larger trunk branch as close to the soil as possible. Avoid leaving stubs, as they can lead to decay and give a messy appearance to the plant.
- Remove any suckers (small sprouts) that may have appeared around the base of the tree. These suckers draw energy away from the main plant and can cause it to become overgrown and crowded.
- To maintain a more tree-like appearance, trim branches extending from the trunk below the 5-foot mark. For larger trees, this mark may be higher.
- Cut all crossing, rubbing, and dead branches. Always cut back to another branch or just above an outward-facing bud to promote healthy growth and prevent disease.
- If the seed pods are heavy and weighing down branches, you can consider removing them. This can help the branches rise and potentially stimulate a second flush of blooms.
- Avoid poor pruning practices such as reducing the height of the plant by cutting off the top. This practice, known as “hat-racking,” can result in ugly stumps and weak branches incapable of supporting flowers.
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Restoring Heavily Pruned Crepe Myrtle
In some cases, crepe myrtles may have been severely pruned, resulting in stumps or knuckles that are unsightly. The best solution in such cases is to cut the plant completely to the ground. Crepe myrtles are resilient and will regrow quickly if given the chance. However, it may take around five years for the plant to fully restore itself and regain its attractive tree-like appearance.
If the crepe myrtle has been rounded off or “hat-racked,” a four-step process can help restore its form. Cut off any knuckled knobs, allowing a couple of thin shoots to grow from the stumps. Repeat this process every spring for the next three years to encourage new growth and restore the plant’s natural shape.
By following these pruning techniques and guidelines, you can maintain the health and appearance of your crepe myrtle, allowing it to thrive and bring beauty to your garden for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should crepe myrtles be pruned?
To maintain the health and appearance of crape myrtles, it is recommended to prune them in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done in February before new growth emerges in March, ensuring that the plant is ready to produce lush foliage and vibrant blooms. Crape myrtles are sought-after for their adaptability and rapid growth, making them an ideal addition to gardens and landscapes. By pruning them at the appropriate time, you can promote healthy growth and enhance their overall aesthetic appeal.
How do you prune a crepe myrtle for shape?
To shape a crepe myrtle for a desired form, it is recommended to selectively prune upper branches along each stem, creating a flowing and open canopy. It is important to remove any branches that cross each other or grow within the interior of the crown. As the crepe myrtle continues to grow, ongoing pruning should involve the removal of lower branches and any suckers emerging from the base of the plant to maintain a well-defined shape.
How and when to prune myrtle?
To prune your myrtle tree, it is recommended to wait until the flowering period has ended. After this time, it is best to observe the new growth and wait for at least 6-8 leaves to develop before pruning. By waiting for this growth, you can ensure the tree has enough energy and resources to handle the pruning process effectively. It is important to remember to avoid pinching the new growth too early to allow the tree to fully recover and thrive.
What happens if you don’t trim crepe myrtle?
If you choose not to trim crepe myrtle, you can expect an abundant display of flowers. These unpruned plants are likely to produce a higher number of blooms compared to their pruned counterparts. Although the flower clusters may be smaller in unpruned crepe myrtles, the overall profusion of flowers can create a visually stunning landscape.