Crape myrtle is a
relatively low-maintenance choice
for landscaping in the appropriate region, but they do require some specific care for their showy blooms to flourish. To help your crape myrtle look its very best… Crape myrtle needs full sun (6 or more hours per day) to thrive.
What month do you prune crepe myrtles?
If you do choose to prune your crepe myrtles, pruning should take place in
mid-February
to avoid winter injury. Pruning should be done only to shape the tree; not to severely control plant height. Pruning is also not necessary for blooming.
How much does it cost to trim a crape myrtle?
You'll pay anywhere from
$75 to $400
to trim a crepe myrtle tree. Depending on the species, they'll grow anywhere from 3 to 30 feet tall. You may pay on the upper end of that range for species with complex trunk structures.
What happens if you dont trim crepe myrtle?
Many varieties have beautiful bark and growth habits that can be enjoyed all year if trees are not heavily pruned. This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended. Once it's done,
it ruins the tree's graceful natural shape for the rest of its life
.
How do you prune a crepe myrtle that is too tall?
If heavy-pruning your too-tall crape is an annual ritual, transplant it, if possible, and replace it with a shorter variety. If it's only a bit too tall,
prune the top branches back 2 feet to a side branch
. But don't leave stubs.
How far do you cut back crepe myrtles?
And pruning a crepe myrtle is really simple. Wait until the flowers have finished and then cut it back
at least 30 centimetres
. I like pruning quite hard because in spring the branch will shoot out with new growth. But if you don't want to prune, then just let the plant grow to its natural shape.
Why is my crepe myrtle only growing from bottom?
A: These sprouts growing around the base of the crape myrtle are called suckers. If you leave them they will eventually become large making the tree have
more trunks than desired
. We would suggest limiting the crape myrtle to no more than five main trunks with three to five being acceptable.
Where is the best place to plant crepe myrtles?
Crape Myrtles can be grown
all over the USA
, in any soil type. The site should be in the bright, hot sun: full or partial sun (6hrs min). No heavy shade for Crape Myrtles. If the site gets sun for part of the day then it's fine.
Do crepe myrtle have invasive roots?
Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. … You don't have to worry about this issue because
crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.
How long do crepe myrtles live?
A crepe myrtle lifespan can
exceed 50 years
. So that's the answer to the question “how long do crepe myrtle trees live?” They can live a good, long time with suitable care.
Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground?
Crepe myrtles will grow back when cut, although
it isn't necessary to prune them all the way down to the ground
.
How do you keep crepe myrtles blooming?
Crape myrtles require
eight hours of direct sun daily to bloom
well. Crape myrtles planted in areas that receive less than six hours of direct sun do not get enough sunlight for adequate bloom development. – Variety. Some varieties don't flower as vigorously as others.
Can I prune crepe myrtle in summer?
Pruning crepe myrtles in summer is not the optimal time of year to trim your trees,
unless you wait until after they bloom
. … Floridata notes that some cultivars continue to bloom for as long as 120 days, making this tree or large shrub a popular landscape plant.
How tall should a crepe myrtle be?
Not only do they differ in bloom and leaf color, but also in mature size. Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less. Semi-Dwarf varieties grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Large or Tree Crapemyrtle reaches a height of
10 to 20 feet
.
Where do you cut back crepe myrtles?
As they grow taller, gradually remove all side branches up to a height of four to five feet. This exposes the smooth, handsome bark. Early each spring, remove weak, spindly growth and all the branches that are growing in toward the center of the plant.
Prune large branches back to a crotch
.
Is crepe myrtle too late to trim April?
Pruning as late as May will likely cause some delay in bloom time, and pruning later than May may delay bloom noticeably but will not harm the tree. …
