When To Prune A Crepe Myrtle

When To Prune A Crepe Myrtle - Crepe Myrtle trees are a popular landscaping choice for their beautiful blooms and their hardy nature. However, many people struggle with pruning them properly, which can lead to unsightly growth and even damage to the tree. To help you properly prune your Crepe Myrtle trees, we've compiled tips and ideas from a variety of sources.

1. Prune Crape Myrtle Trees Properly

LSU AgCenter

When it comes to pruning your Crepe Myrtle trees, it's important to do it properly to ensure healthy growth and a beautiful appearance. The LSU AgCenter recommends using a pruning saw or lopping shears to remove any dead or crossing branches, as well as any branches that are growing too close together. They also suggest cutting back any branches that are growing toward the center of the tree to encourage outward growth.

2. How To Prune Crepe Myrtles

Fairview Garden Center

The Fairview Garden Center offers a step-by-step guide to pruning your Crepe Myrtle trees. They suggest starting by removing any dead or damaged wood, as well as any suckers or small branches growing near the base of the tree. Next, they recommend selecting 3-5 strong main branches to form the tree's canopy, and removing any smaller, weaker branches. Finally, they suggest pruning the tree to the desired height, making sure to cut just above a node or bud.

3. Pruning Crape Myrtles

Center for Urban Agriculture

The Center for Urban Agriculture notes that Crepe Myrtle trees are naturally multi-stemmed, so you shouldn't try to force them into a single-trunked shape. Instead, they suggest selecting the strongest and most well-placed stems to form the main structure of the tree. They also recommend removing competing or crossing branches, as well as any that are growing too low on the trunk.

4. Pruning Crepe Myrtle Trees

Gardening Know How

Gardening Know How suggests starting by removing any small or weak branches, as well as any that are growing low on the trunk. They also recommend cutting back any branches that are growing toward the center of the tree to encourage outward growth. Finally, they suggest that you should never "top" your Crepe Myrtle trees, as this can cause long-term damage and lead to unsightly growth.

5. How Do I Prune Crape Myrtle?

North Carolina Cooperative Extension

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension recommends starting by removing any dead or damaged wood, as well as any small branches growing near the base of the tree. They also suggest selecting 3-5 strong main branches to form the tree's canopy, and removing any smaller, weaker branches. Finally, they recommend that you should aim to maintain a natural, vase-shaped growth pattern, rather than trying to force your tree into a more formal shape.

By following these tips and ideas from a variety of experts, you can ensure that your Crepe Myrtle trees are healthy, beautiful, and properly pruned.

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