Mid-winter and early spring is the time of the year when many of your neighbors believe they should dramatically prune their crepe myrtles, so they will have extra blooms come summer. They may call it pruning. At Village Green, we call crepe murder.
The thing to remember about crepe myrtles is that they are a tree. And like any other large tree on your property, you only prune them as needed. You would never think to chop off of the top of your oak tree at 20′ each year. The same is true of your crepe myrtle. The only thing you are doing is creating an ugly tree that will end up with spindly branches that have a hard time supporting the weight of its summer blooms.
If you want to see an example of proper crepe myrtle pruning, check out the Dallas Arboretum. Their crepe myrtles are so well maintained that they used to host a tour for the blind because of the beautifully sculpted feel of their crepe myrtles untrimmed trunks.
If you have any questions or need additional help with your lawn or landscape give us a call at 972-495-6990.
