Pruning Crape Myrtles

Deciding whether to trim a Crape Myrtle is fodder for debate amongst horticulturist and landscape professionals. I personally prefer to shape my Crape Myrtles in February to establish a full, well-shaped Crape during the summer months. But, what I prefer is not important; I need to know what you like.

Those of you on our full maintenance plan can opt for us to trim any suckers from the root ball and main trunks only, or we can prune them properly to encourage a thicker canopy for the summer. We want to make sure that we take care of your Crape Myrtles so that they look like you want them to look. The Crape Myrtle is one of our most beautiful trees and we need your input so that we can take care of them for you.

Crape Myrtles bloom all summer long (around 120 days) which makes them perfect for our Houston area landscapes. They perform well in hot, sunny climates. In the fall, Crape Myrtles boast a bold color, and rustic peeling bark. Additionally, their natural form is aesthetically pleasing. Who could ask for more?

The question is: how to care for the Crape Myrtle, to promote these very desirable features?

We believe, and recommend, light pruning as that is all that is necessary and, it is best for your Crape Myrtle. Research indicates that flowering occurs with new growth.

As for the timing, now is the time. A light pruning will stimulate growth, and in turn blooming. If you will give the flowers a light pruning once they begin to fade, in the summer you will have another explosion of blooms.

Radical Pruning

The above picture represents a very radical pruning of a Crape Myrtle. If this is what you want, we will do it but we do not recommend this level of pruning.

Proper Trimming of Crape Myrtle

Before

After

 

If you would like for Noack Landscaping to trim your Crape Myrtles, please contact us - click here
or call 281.351.9729