Crapemyrtle is a versatile, drought-tolerant tree that produces dazzling blooms all summer long.
The tree is also a living sculpture during the winter, adding form and texture to the landscape. Late winter is the optimal time to prune crapemyrtles.
It’s important you know how to prune correctly so you can avoid topping—a practice commonly known as “crape murder.”
How to Prune Crapemyrtles
To properly prune crapemyrtles, use the following techniques:
Remove suckers (small sprouts that develop along main stems or roots).
Remove crossed, damaged or diseased branches. For crossed branches, remove the weaker of the two limbs that are crossing or rubbing.
Consequences of Severe Pruning
Unfortunately, many homeowners and landscape professionals prune crapemyrtle trees too severely.
Topping can damage the tree and results in a “witch’s broom” appearance. Following this, the tree is no longer in proportion.
Although topping may result in larger blooms, the flowers grow on thinner, weaker branches that droop and may even break. Topping can also shorten the life of the tree.
Rehabilitation
If you want to rehabilitate a “murdered” crapemyrtle, try one of the following options:
Choose the strongest two sprouts from each stub, and remove the rest. This encourages remaining sprouts to grow stronger and opens the canopy of the tree. If you follow this procedure for a few seasons, the tree should improve in health and appearance.
Cut the tree back to between 1 to 2 inches of the ground while the tree is dormant. After two to three weeks of growth, select three to five of the most vigorous new shoots on each trunk and remove all others. Remove any new shoots that emerge later. Within three to five years, you should again have a natural-looking crapemyrtle.
Help Stop Crape Murder
Spread the word to help eliminate crape murder. Use proper pruning techniques on your own trees or ask your yard maintenance professionals about their pruning techniques.
Choose an appropriately sized plant for your site and prune sparingly to maintain beautiful crapemyrtles in your yard.
The UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Volunteer Program focuses on educating citizens about the science-based landscape and gardening information developed by the University of Florida. These volunteers share this knowledge with people in their communities to help conserve water, protect natural resources, and improve the lives of Florida residents. Visit UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions at gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu for more information on gardening in Florida.