Is it that difficult to encourage new growth on your crepe myrtle? Well, not if you know when to prune it.
The answer to when is the best time to prune crepe myrtles can vary depending on your motives with the plant, which I will discuss today. I will also provide you with some effective tips on pruning your crepe myrtle, so be sure to read it until the end.
Now, without further ado, let’s begin!
Ideal Time For Pruning Crepe Myrtles
For general maintenance, the perfect time for pruning your crepe myrtle is either early spring or late winter when the plant is in its dormancy. If you are trying to encourage growth, remove weak and deep branches, or reshape the plant, then this time frame is the most suitable.
Pruning Crepe Myrtle For Second Bloom
A crepe myrtle tree, like many other plants, may be encouraged to produce a second set of flowers by a process called deadheading. In this case, you will need to prune your crepe myrtle when the plant’s first cycle of blossoms has worn out.
However, keep in mind that you should avoid pruning it too late in the year because it could prevent the plant from going into dormancy. This, in turn, could cause it to die during the winter. Also, I strongly advise against carrying out this procedure (deadheading) after August begins.
If the first cycle of flowers does not end by the beginning of August, you will most likely not be able to acquire a second round before the winter arrives.
Mistakes When Pruning Crepe Myrtles
Even though pruning crepe myrtle may seem easy, it is not. I have noticed that many people often trim off the tops of crepe myrtles, leaving only a few huge branches, which is not the right way of pruning crepe myrtle. In fact, this improper pruning is called “crepe murder” as a joke, as it ruins the natural shape and form of the plant.
People usually prune this way to encourage flowering, but the branches that stem from these harsh cuts are usually fragile. Not only are they susceptible to damage from ice and winds, but they are not powerful enough to carry flowers during the summer season and therefore tend to sag.
The Right Way Of Pruning Crepe Myrtles
Believe it or not, crepe myrtles require low-maintenance as far as pruning is concerned. They usually need to be pruned lightly once the plant’s shape is established.
When trimming, keep in mind that new growth will appear 3 to 4 inches below the incision. Do not leave stubs and cut back large limbs, as it will result in an abundance of new growth around the cut, making the plan look like pom-poms.
When starting to prune a crepe myrtle, you would want to choose the top five healthiest and strongest trunks and chop away the other trunks at ground level. Also, don’t forget to get rid of the water sprouts from the ground. Remove the lower branches as the plant grows to raise its canopy.
Additionally, make sure that you remove the branches close to one another as it will ensure proper air circulation throughout the tree’s canopy. This will greatly minimize the occurrences of powdery mildew during summer.
You must also sanitize the pruning tools to help curb the spread of diseases. I would highly recommend that you wipe or dip the blades of your equipment in a solution of isopropyl alcohol and ethanol before making the cuts.
What Are The Tools Required For Pruning A Crepe Myrtle?
The tools required to prune a crepe myrtle are as follows:
- A pruning saw or pole pruners for branches more than 1.5 inches thick
- Loppers, for branches between 1/2 and 1.5 thick
- Hand pruners for thin branches and clipping twigs
Growing Conditions For Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles thrive in direct sunlight. They can grow in the shade as well, but the flowers will be scant, and the plants will become lanky. Additionally, these sturdy trees require minimal water and fertilizer and have few insect or disease concerns.
Final Thoughts
With that, I have come to the end of my informational article. I genuinely hope that it has helped you gain some valuable insights into the pruning of crepe myrtles.
But before I sign off, I’d like to reiterate a maintenance tip. Remember to prune your crepe myrtle during early spring or late winter and remove all the dead branches.
And on that note, it’s a wrap; see ya!