Crape myrtles are beloved for their vibrant summer blooms and graceful form. But there’s a dark side to crape myrtle care: crape murder. This misguided pruning practice, also known as topping, can severely harm your trees. In this post, we’ll explore why crape murder is detrimental and how to prune your crape myrtles correctly.
What is Crape Murder?
Crape murder involves drastically cutting back the branches of a crape myrtle, leaving unsightly stubs. This practice is often done with the intention of controlling the tree’s size or promoting blooms. However, it does more harm than good.
Why is Crape Murder Harmful?
- Unnatural Appearance: Topping creates a knobby, unnatural shape that many find unattractive, especially during the winter months.
- Weak Growth: It forces the tree to produce weak, spindly shoots that are more susceptible to breakage.
- Increased Disease Risk: Large pruning wounds create entry points for insects and diseases.
- Reduced Lifespan: Continual topping stresses the tree, shortening its overall lifespan.
The Right Way to Prune
If your crape myrtle needs pruning, here are the recommended methods:
- Tipping: This involves trimming back the tips of branches to encourage bushier growth and more blooms.
- Pollarding: This technique creates a more formal shape by repeatedly cutting back branches to the same point. However, it requires annual maintenance.
- Selective Pruning: Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the tree’s health and structure.
When to Prune
The best time to prune crape myrtles is during late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. This allows the tree to heal quickly and minimizes stress.
Choosing the Right Crape Myrtle
One of the best ways to avoid excessive pruning is to choose the right crape myrtle for your space. Consider the mature size of the tree and select a variety that will fit comfortably without needing constant trimming.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid crape murder at all costs!
- Prune your crape myrtles correctly to promote healthy growth and beautiful blooms.
- Choose the right crape myrtle for your space to minimize the need for pruning.
By following these tips, you can help your crape myrtles thrive and enjoy their stunning beauty for years to come.
