Summary
Pruning crepe myrtles is acrucial aspectof their tending , as ithelps maintaintheir health , chassis , and abundant efflorescence . This comprehensive pathfinder will ply you withdetailed instructionson how to prune crepe myrtle , ensuring that your bloom shrub thrives for years to come .
Why Prune Crepe Myrtles?
Pruning offers numerous benefit for crepe myrtles :
When to Prune Crepe Myrtles
Theoptimal timeto prune crepe paper myrtle is during the dormant season , typically inlate winterorearly bound . Avoid crop in the fall , as this can stimulate fresh growth that may be susceptible to Robert Lee Frost damage .
Step-by-Step Crepe Myrtle Pruning Instructions
1. Gather Tools
You will require the come after tools :
2. Remove Dead or Diseased Branches
start up by identifying and get rid of any all in , diseased , orbroken outgrowth . Cut thesebranches backto where they play ahealthy stemor offset .
3. Thin Out Overcrowded Branches
If thecrepe myrtleis overgrown or has too many branch , thin it out by removing some of the minuscule , weak branches . This willimprove airwave circulationand allow sunlight to penetrate the plant life .
4. Prune for Shape
Crepe myrtle can be pruned into various Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe , including a tree human body or a multi - stemmed bush . To create a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree form , hit all branch below adesired elevation , known as the “ torso height . ”
5. Remove Water Sprouts
Water sprouts are fast - develop , perpendicular shoots that typically appear on the trunk ormain subdivision . hit these shoots as they candivert energyfrom the rest of the plant .
6. Prune for Bloom Production
To further abundant inflorescence , lop crape myrtles inlate winterorearly outpouring . cut down back last twelvemonth ’s increase by about one - third to one - half . debar pruning too heavily , as this can reduce flowering .
7. Make Clean Cuts
Alwaysmake clean cutswithsharp toolstoavoid tearingor damage the plant . contract at a slight angle , just above a bud or node .
Crepe Myrtle Pruning Tips
Pruning Crepe Myrtles in Different Forms
Tree Form
To make a tree form , prune crepe myrtles to asingle trunk . Remove all branches below thedesired luggage compartment heightand prune theremaining branchesto create a balanced and symmetrical shape .
Multi-Stemmed Shrub Form
To make a multi - stemmed bush course , prune crepe myrtles tomultiple stem . Remove any branch that are crossing or rubbing against each other . Prune the remaining staunch to make a natural and pleasing chassis .
Recommendations: Enhancing Your Crepe Myrtle’s Beauty with Pruning
By follow thedetailed instructionsand bakshish provide in this usher , you may effectively crop your crepe myrtles and love their vivacious flower andgraceful formfor long time to come . Remember toprune regularlyand consult with a professional if necessary to maintain the health and beaut of your anthesis shrubs .
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q1 : How often should I prune crape myrtles?A1 : Prune crepe myrtle annually , during thedormant season , to maintain their wellness and shape . Q2 : Can Iprune crepe myrtlesin the summer?A2 : It is generally not recommended to prune crape myrtles in the summertime , as this can reduce flowering . However , light pruningtoremove deadordiseased branchescan be done at any clock time . Q3 : How do Iprune crepe myrtlesfor upper limit blooms?A3 : Toencourage abundant flowering , trim crepe myrtle in late winter orearly fountain . Cut back last year ’s growth by about one - third to one - one-half , avoiding severe pruning .
