Pruning a Crepe Myrtle Tree

By

Mirabella

Crepe Myrtle trees are planted for both the flowers and the beauty of the trunk. Incorrect pruning, "Crepe Murder" is the widespread practice of topping trees that should grow between 20 and 30 feet tall. This is incorrect and will eventually damage the tree, not to mention make it ugly most of the year. If you want to see over it, then buy a bush or a dwarf variety. Topping does not produce more blooms. Proper pruning removes unwanted trunks and branches from the inside. If you want to see through it, that's fine, but don't remove the top beyond reachable spent flowers.

By

feathertail

We live in Florida, our crepe myrtles bloom without pruning but I gotta tell you, it's hard not to prune them :) the thing about pruning them is you will always see where you pruned from do you know what I mean? And I like the tree looking kind better than the bushes. Really tho, it's personal preference. Happy Gardening.

What month should you prune a crepe myrtle tree?

What is the best way to remove dead branches from crape myrtles? Should I cut at the base, or higher up if it is green?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Jwagner from Abilene, Texas

I planted a crepe myrtle tree 4 feet from my house. It's 4 yrs. old now. Should I be worried the roots will do damage to the foundation of my house?

I have some Crepe Myrtles in my yard and I would like to keep them short. What shall I do?

When should I prune a crepe myrtle? We had a hard frost for 5 nights, but it was above freezing during the day.

I planted crepe myrtles this past summer. I need to know when and how to trim them. I have 26 trees along my driveway.