Pruning Crape Myrtle Trees

Hi, I have a 40 foot crepe myrtle tree that is beautiful. This year it seems to only be blooming on top. Can you help, so this doesn’t happen again. Thank you Carole Majerus

Carole,
Here is some information on blooming for Crape Myrtle trees. Full sun is required for best flowering,
shade can hinder blooming. Powdery mildew can cause buds to fail to open. Severe pruning can cause
fewer blooms to produce. I do not know if any of these apply to your situation, since I cannot inspect
your tree. It is early for Crape Myrtle trees to be flowering. I live in central Florida near the west coast
and they do not start blooming until mid to end of June. Perhaps by summer it will be filled with flowers.

Kurt

Hi,
Our backyard fence is lined with crape Myrtle trees. I’m sure they can be gorgeous but they are all 30 to 40 foot tall. We would like them to be closer to the height of the fence, maybe a little taller. Is it possible for us to trim them down that much or will it destroy them. I do realize we will have to wait until Jan/Feb to do any trimming or pruning. With trees this large would it be better to call in an expert to trim them down properly?
Thank you for any advice or expertise,
Rebecca

Rebecca,
Hard pruning of Crape Myrtle trees is not recommended by the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Severe trimming will ruin the natural sculptural form of the trees. It spoils the beautiful winter branch structure. It will also cause large “knuckles” to form where the branches spread out from the trunk, causing weaker branches to grow which will not hold flowers upright. Severe pruning causes trees to produce fewer flowers and can induce excess vegetative growth. Crape Myrtle trees need to be pruned properly as explained in my article. Most landscaping companies will trim them every year as seen in the picture in my article. Unfortunately this is wrong! This was dubbed as “Crepe Murder” by Southern Living magazine a while back. Plus it won’t take long for them to grow back to the same height. Thus being a waste of money. A species of Crape Myrtle trees that don’t grow too large for the space provide, should have been planted to begin with.

Kurt

Until what month can you plant a crape myrtle in Florida?
Can you replant the sprouts in the ground, or is it better to first plant the sprout in a planter?

Zee,
Crape Myrtles grown in containers ( found mostly at garden centers) are planted during early summer, when in active growth. Balled or burlapped Crape myrtles ( found mostly at nurseries ) should be planted while dormant. As far as replanting sprouts, they would probably die if placed in the ground. You could try to grow them in a planter using a product like “Root Tone” to stimulate root growth , but there is no guarantee they will take hold. I have never seen anyone do it. Crape myrtles can be propagated vegetaitively by softwood, hardwood, or root cuttings. Seed capsules ripening in the fall may be collected, dried, and stored in sealed containers. Seeds should be sown during spring for best results. I recommend contacting your local extension service for information on propagation or seed growing. Both processes need to be done correctly, especially propogation to avoid any severe damage to the tree.

Kurt

Kurt,

I live in Palm Coast, FL and have Crape Myrtles and Azaleas that need trimming. What is the best way to find a knowlegeable person to trim these plants at the appropriate time? Most “landscapers” here in this small town are clueless on proper trimming. I have read that Azaleas should be trimmed prior to July 4 and Crape Myrtles in Jan. or Feb. Is that correct? Thank you so very much.

Pat,
Azaleas that are well established should be pruned shortly after they are done flowering. Azaleas in Florida bloom from late February to early April. Light pruning is recommended for them to grow compact with numerous branches. Hard pruning causes them to grow thin and spindly. That is correct that Crape Myrtles should be trimmed in January or February. Light pruning is also recommended for Crape Myrtles. It is important that proper trimming is done for Crape Myrtle Trees. The correct way to prune them is explained in my article. They should not be hard pruned as shown in the picture in my article ( many landscaping companies do it that way ). To find a landscaping company that is experienced and reputable contact your local county extension service. They should be able to give you a list of names in your area. Companies that are licensed with certified professionals usually know how to do trimming correctly.

Kurt

Kurt,

Thank you so very much for your reply. I greatly appreciate, and will take, your advice.

Pat

Dear Kurt,

What do you do if you and the people before you have already committed crape murder? I have large knuckles on some of the shrubs. A landscaping company isn’t an option.

Thanks, Ruth

Kurt, I live on the panhandle and have a crepemyrtle in my front yard that gets full sun. It has been doing poorly; so I pruned it back a couple of weeks ago and noticed there is a circular greenish mold or fungus growing on the bark of the tree. What should I do to help the tree to become healthy again? Thank you for your help.

Ruth,
Since the crape myrtle tree has not been trimmed correctly causing large knuckles to form, the tree has grown into the shape that it is. Unfortunately it is too late to do anything and the tree will remain with them. The tree will not die from improper pruning, however it will produce fewer flowers and not be as shapely as a tree that was originally trimmed correctly.

Kurt

Evanne,
I would treat the tree by spraying it with a liquid fungicide. Make sure the trunk and branches are thoroughly covered so it can soak it up. Repeat treatment after 14 days. You can also do a ground soaking around the base of the tree so the roots can also soak up the liquid fungicide. Make sure you treat the ground area where the roots are extended outward.

Kurt