While many people plant crape myrtles, not everyone prunes them properly. Pruning crepe myrtles can be tricky, but correct pruning is essential for creating beautiful trees with abundant, upright blooms.
These flowers appear earlier than on trees that are unpruned or pruned incorrectly. In this article, we will detail all the steps for how to prune crepe myrtle correctly, explain when the right time is, and why it is important.
Pruning crepe myrtles means trimming the tree to keep it healthy and beautiful. It is best to do this in late winter or early spring when the tree is not actively growing.
The focus is to remove dead or damaged branches, thin out branches too close together, and shorten any overly long limbs.
Pruning a crepe myrtle tree begins with inspection. Look closely for dead, diseased, or damaged branches. These branches may look brittle, discolored, or have no leaves. Dead wood should snap easily if bent, while diseased branches might show signs of fungus or discoloration. Damaged branches could be broken or scarred.
Removing these branches is crucial because they no longer contribute to the tree’s health and can even attract pests or spread disease. Cutting them away allows the tree to focus its energy on healthy growth.
It always helps if you have the tools you need in front of you before you start pruning a crape myrtle tree.
After inspection, focus on removing the trunks first and start from the bottom. Crape myrtles naturally grow with many trunks, which can make them look messy. To keep them healthy and attractive, reduce the number of trunks to just a few.
When pruning crape myrtles, aim for an odd number of main trunks—three, five, or seven is ideal. Select healthy trunks that grow straight and have enough room to develop. When removing unwanted trunks, cut them as close to the ground as possible without leaving any stubs.
Removing suckers involves cutting off the small shoots that grow from the base of the crepe myrtle or below the main branches. These suckers sprout from the roots or lower trunk and can drain energy from the main tree, preventing it from growing as strong or blooming as fully as it could.
Trimming the suckers direct nutrients and energy toward the main branches, resulting in a healthier crepe myrtle. This will also prevent leaving behind dead stubs, which are unattractive and can attract pests and diseases.
After removing the suckers, you need to remove the branches. Remove branches crossing over each other, growing inward, or crowding together. Also, prune branches extending from the trunk below the 5-foot mark back to the main trunk. When branches are too close, wind can cause them to rub against each other.
This running results in wounds and increases the risk of pests and disease. Overcrowded branches also block sunlight and air from reaching the inner parts of the tree. Trimming these branches improves air circulation and sunlight exposure.
Removing upper branches or long limbs involves trimming branches that are too long and out of balance with the rest of the tree. This step encourages fuller, more even growth by redirecting the tree’s energy into multiple branches, not just one long limb.
When pruning, cut slightly above a leaf node that points toward the direction you want the new branch to grow. This controlled trimming prevents the crepe myrtle from becoming too leggy or uneven, helping it develop a fuller shape and produce more blooms.
After pruning the main trunks, remove any weak, spindly branches or stems thinner than a pencil. These branches often develop at the ends of limbs or in crowded areas.
Leaving these small branches can weaken the tree's growth and make it harder for the flowers to bloom. So, remove them to promote healthier, more robust growth and develop a sturdier structure.
The best time to prune crepe myrtle is during late winter or early spring before the tree starts its active growth period. Here is why:
The dormant period is when a plant’s growth slows down or stops, in response to colder temperatures and reduced daylight. For crepe myrtles, this period occurs during late fall and winter. During dormancy, the plant’s metabolic processes slow, and it conserves energy.
This makes it the ideal time for pruning because the tree is less likely to be stressed by the process. Pruning during dormancy allows you to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged wood without disrupting its active growth or blooming cycles.
Cutting back crepe myrtle branches in late winter or early spring helps the tree develop new shoots and buds that produce flowers. During pruning, older, less productive wood is removed, helping the tree focus its energy on healthier, more vigorous growth.
Pruning also opens the tree’s canopy, allowing more sunlight to reach the inner branches, stimulating bloom production. Good pruning directs the tree’s resources toward growing stronger, more fruitful branches, leading to a more vibrant display of flowers.
Avoiding frost damage means timing your pruning to prevent fresh cuts from being harmed by freezing temperatures. When you prune crepe myrtle after the first frost, the tree may not have enough time to heal before temperatures drop. Freshly cut branches are more vulnerable to frost, damaging the tissue and leading to disease or stunted growth.
Pruning in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, ensures that cuts are made while the tree is dormant. This timing allows the tree to heal and protect itself from frost damage.
You should avoid pruning crepe myrtle during the following times:
It is best to avoid pruning your crepe myrtle during extreme weather because:
Immediately after planting is the period just after you have put a new crepe myrtle into the ground. During this time, the tree is focused on establishing its root system and adapting to its new environment.
Pruning right after planting can interfere with this important establishment phase. The tree needs energy to grow roots and adjust to its surroundings rather than healing from cuts. It is better to wait at least a year or two before pruning to allow the tree to settle in and build a strong foundation.
Here are some additional tips for proper pruning of crepe myrtle:
Avoiding topping means refraining from cutting the main branches of the crepe myrtle back too severely. Topping involves chopping off the upper parts of the tree branches, which can cause the tree to grow weak and spindly shoots that are more susceptible to damage and disease.
Topping also often results in an unattractive, lopsided shape, resulting in a dense canopy with poor air circulation. Instead of topping, focus on cutting back only specific branches to maintain the tree's natural shape and health.
Focus on trimming the crepe myrtle to achieve a balanced, aesthetically pleasing form. Instead of cutting haphazardly, you should focus on the overall tree shape. Look for areas where the branches are uneven or overcrowded, and make selective cuts to create a more symmetrical and open structure.
This helps the tree maintain a natural, attractive look and allows light and air to reach all parts of the tree. Proper shaping promotes healthy growth and enhances the tree’s blooming potential.
Use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts. When you use clean tools, like sharp pruning shears or loppers, the branches are cut cleanly without tearing or crushing them. This reduces the risk of diseases or pests and promotes quicker healing.
Ragged or uneven cuts can leave the tree vulnerable to infections and take longer to heal, potentially affecting the tree's health and appearance. Sharp tools make a difference in the overall effectiveness and health of your pruning efforts.
Periodically step away from the tree for a better view of its overall shape and structure. This helps you assess the tree’s balance and ensure your pruning achieves the desired results. When you are up close, it can be easy to focus on individual branches and lose sight of the overall shape.
By stepping back, you can see if the tree looks even and well-shaped from a distance, which helps you avoid over-pruning. This practice ensures that the tree’s form remains aesthetically pleasing.
Prune regularly or at least once a year to keep the crape myrtle in good shape. Doing this annually helps maintain the tree’s structure and promotes healthy growth.
By sticking to a regular pruning schedule, you avoid the need for drastic cuts, which can stress the tree and lead to problems. Consistent, lighter pruning each year is better for the tree’s health than infrequent, heavy pruning, which can shock the plant and lead to uneven growth. Regular care ensures your crepe myrtle remains vibrant and well-formed.
Remove the right amount or about one-third of the tree’s branches at a time. Over-pruning, or cutting away too many branches in one go, can stress the tree and reduce its ability to produce new growth and blooms.
Limiting your pruning to one-third of the tree ensures it can recover easily and maintain its overall health. This approach also helps preserve the tree’s structure and balance, allowing it to grow and thrive.
After pruning, dispose of the branches, leaves, and other cuttings. This practice is important because pruned material can sometimes harbor pests, diseases, or fungal spores that could spread to the tree or other plants in your garden.
Collecting and disposing of this debris reduces the risk of these issues. You can either compost the material if it is free from disease or pests or discard it in yard waste bags or through your local green waste program. Keeping the area clean helps prevent future problems.
Crepe myrtle trees pruning is one way to keep it healthy. However, it is not the only way. There are other things you need to consider if you want to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Crape myrtles thrive in various soil types but perform best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Good drainage is crucial because the plant does not like and can suffer in soggy soil. Soggy soil leads to root rot. The plant also prefers loamy soil with a balance of sand, silt, and clay.
If you have clay soil, consider amending it with organic matter to improve drainage. Lastly, ensure the soil has a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. You can test your soil’s pH and amend it if necessary.
Crepe myrtles are relatively low-maintenance in terms of watering. The plants need to be watered thoroughly after planting to help them establish their roots. So, ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged for the first year. Once established, crepe myrtles are drought-tolerant.
You can water them deeply about once a week during dry periods, especially in summer. If they have matured, rainfall water is adequate. If you are unsure, check the soil—if the top 1-2 inches are dry, it is time to water.
Crepe myrtles thrive in full sunlight. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow well and produce abundant blooms. Full sun helps the tree develop a strong structure and vibrant flowers and promotes healthy leaf growth and blooming.
If crepe myrtles do not get enough sunlight, they might become leggy, with fewer flowers and weaker overall growth. So, plant them in a spot where they can soak up plenty of sun to ensure they reach their full potential.
Fertilizing crepe myrtles helps ensure they have the nutrients needed for healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Fertilize crepe myrtles in early spring, just as new growth begins. A second application in mid-summer can help sustain growth and bloom throughout the season.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 formula. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the amount to use or apply 1 to 2 pounds of fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive foliage growth with fewer flowers.
Mulching benefits crepe myrtles, as it helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Here are some key mulching requirements for crepe myrtle:
Effective pest and disease management for crepe myrtle involves regular monitoring and prompt action. Start by inspecting your tree for common pests like aphids and spider mites, which can cause leaf curling and honeydew deposits.
Look out for diseases such as powdery mildew and Cercospora leaf spot. To manage these issues, use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils for pests and apply fungicides for diseases, following label instructions. Additionally, ensure proper pruning and good air circulation to reduce disease risk. Regularly cleaning up fallen leaves and debris can also prevent the spread of pathogens.
Winter care involves taking steps to protect the tree during the colder months when it is dormant. First, avoid heavy pruning in winter, as it can expose the tree to potential frost damage. Instead, do any necessary pruning in late winter or early spring.
Consider applying a layer of mulch around the base to safeguard the tree from harsh temperatures. This helps insulate the roots and maintain soil moisture. If you live in an area with severe cold, you can wrap the trunk with burlap or use a tree wrap to provide extra protection.
