Pruning Crepe Myrtle Correctly

Q. When is the right time of year to trim my crepe myrtle tree and what should be done?

A. They usually do not require much pruning. I noticed from your picture that it is planted close to your house Your biggest problems would be branches growing toward the house and walking under branches that are too low.

            Remove branches growing toward the house at a "crotch" (where two branches come together) and remove with a "thinning cut”. A thinning cut is the total removal of a entire branch, leaving no part of it coming from the tree.

            Limbs that are too low should be removed if people need to pass under the tree. This should also be done with a thinning cut. Remove limbs high enough to allow traffic under the tree.

            Aesthetically, trees look better if you restrict limb removal so the tree’s trunk is exposed for no more than one third of its height. A common problem in pruning large trees in this town is excessive limb removal. Once removed, large limbs and the aesthetics it brings, is lost forever.            Crepe myrtle tends to grow branches too close together and sometimes on top or crossing each other. Look for these common problems and remove one of the offending branches with a thinning cut, leaving no stub.

            Lastly, remove any dead wood or weak growth. Using thinning cuts will help preserve this year’s flower production.