How to Prune a Crepe Myrtle
Gather pruning equipment., Wait until the appropriate season to prune your crepe myrtle., Determine what shape and size you want the crepe myrtle to be.
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Gather pruning equipment.
To prune a mature crepe myrtle, you're going to need a few different types of pruning tools.
Gather the following supplies from your garage or a hardware store before you get started:
A hand pruner, for pruning small twigs and thin branches.
Loppers, which are used to cut thicker branches that are higher up.
Pole pruners, which cut even thicker branches.
A pruning saw, for the thickest branches you need to cut. -
Step 2: Wait until the appropriate season to prune your crepe myrtle.
Plan to prune in late winter or early spring for the best summer blooms.
Pruning before leaves sprout on the tree is also helpful because you get a clearer view of which branches to cut.
You can remove flowers when they fade in the summer to encourage a second bloom. , To keep a crepe myrtle healthy and beautiful, you want to prune with an eye toward opening up the middle of the tree to allow air to flow through more easily.
Don't over-prune by lopping the trunks close to the ground.
Aside from those guidelines, you can prune your crepe myrtle to a shape and size that works for your yard.
Crepe myrtles can grow about 1 to 2 feet (30-40 cm) per season, so prune based on your desired tree height.
For example, if you want your tree to be about 6 feet (2 m) tall, you will want to prune back to 4 to 5 feet (121 cm to 166 cm).
Keep in mind that new growth will sprout from the pruned areas. -
Step 3: Determine what shape and size you want the crepe myrtle to be.
Detailed Guide
To prune a mature crepe myrtle, you're going to need a few different types of pruning tools.
Gather the following supplies from your garage or a hardware store before you get started:
A hand pruner, for pruning small twigs and thin branches.
Loppers, which are used to cut thicker branches that are higher up.
Pole pruners, which cut even thicker branches.
A pruning saw, for the thickest branches you need to cut.
Plan to prune in late winter or early spring for the best summer blooms.
Pruning before leaves sprout on the tree is also helpful because you get a clearer view of which branches to cut.
You can remove flowers when they fade in the summer to encourage a second bloom. , To keep a crepe myrtle healthy and beautiful, you want to prune with an eye toward opening up the middle of the tree to allow air to flow through more easily.
Don't over-prune by lopping the trunks close to the ground.
Aside from those guidelines, you can prune your crepe myrtle to a shape and size that works for your yard.
Crepe myrtles can grow about 1 to 2 feet (30-40 cm) per season, so prune based on your desired tree height.
For example, if you want your tree to be about 6 feet (2 m) tall, you will want to prune back to 4 to 5 feet (121 cm to 166 cm).
Keep in mind that new growth will sprout from the pruned areas.
About the Author
Gloria Ramos
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in lifestyle and beyond.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: