how to prune a crape myrtle tree
If you are removing dead damaged or diseased branches then this can be done at any time of year and should ideally be done as soon as you notice an issue. Instead of topping your tree or shrub we suggest only pruning back the dead or damaged branches.
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Transplanting at the right time and providing aftercare helps improve the Crapes chances of success.
. Limb up to the. The trees primary trunks and branches should still be intact. You may need a pruning saw for bigger branches and trunks.
The robust root system tied to the old tree will enable rapid growth and youll have an attractive tree within a year or two. Watch a video about How to Prune or Trim Crape Myrtles. He offers these tips on how to proceed with pruning.
When to Prune Crepe Myrtle. Figure B below indicates where to make cuts when pruning your crape myrtle tree. Crape Myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to a height of 10 to 20 feet.
The leaves are white 3 to 5 inches 7 to 10 cm long and the flowers are small white or pink. Prune Crepe Myrtle Trees Like an Expert Begin at the Beginning. Remove branches that cross one another or grow through the interior of the crown.
To encourage blooming prune immediately after flowers are spent. Height can depend upon the size of the tree so generally it will be halfway up. This will ruin the natural form of a Crape Myrtle tree.
Clean your tools with a bleach or alcohol mixture before you make any cuts. Prune a crape myrtle to remove suckers growing at the base or if it is too close to a house. Then dig out the Crape Myrtle from its existing location and move it to its new home.
This article will discuss whether you can and. Fall pruning not only creates an unattractive look for winter but also removes the current years growth as a buffer against any potential winter damage. Crape myrtles must be properly pruned on an annual basis in order to achieve the following benefits.
Pick the right tool for the pruning you want to do. Although some gardeners prune their crape myrtles in the fall I do not recommend doing this. Trim crepe myrtles just once or twice a year and only remove parts of the tree that could get in the way of the trees healthy growth.
For trees selectively prune shoots that emerge from the base of the trunk. Remove any branches in the canopy that are crossing or rubbing another branch. Cut all the trunks completely to the ground then carefully manage the shoots that come back.
When is the best time to trim or cut back crepe. Loppers are used for branches up to an inch and half thick. Think of a multi-tiered system says Rogers.
Ideally pruning should not affect a. Pruning crape myrtles too heavily can damage them resulting in whats called crape. To transplant a Crape Myrtle first identify the new location and dig a hole big enough for the root ball.
The best time to prune your crepe myrtle depends on your reasons for pruning it. Pruning Crape Myrtle Trees is done by slowly removing one-by-one all side lateral branches up to a height of 5-feet or so. How Should You Be Pruning Your Crape Myrtle.
Whenever you prune you cause the tree to generate new growth. To prune crepe myrtle Rogers says to start with a pair of sharp pruning shears that youve wiped down with rubbing alcohol rinsed and dried. The rule of thumb is to trace down from the top of a stem from the seedpods if the tree bloomed to where that stem meets a branch.
Crape myrtles bloom on new growth so prune them in early spring before they break dormancy. Use a saw for large branches over 1 12 inch in diameter. Early spring is the best time to prune crape myrtles.
Using a pair of sharp bypass or lopper pruners make a cut about 6 to 12 inches or so above the intersection - never below the. Save the vigorous and properly placed shoots and cut the rest. Choose loppers for branches 34 inch to 1 12 inches in diameter.
Loppers are used for bigger branches and may be helpful when pruning your crape myrtle tree You will need a pair of good quality hand pruners to clip branches up to one-half inch in diameter. New growth that starts now will not have time to harden off before frost. - Increased health and vitality - Enhanced beauty - Cont.
Smaller limbs around the crown should be thinned out but not entirely removed. As the crapemyrtle grows continue to remove lower branches and any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant. If you are tempted to top them because they have outgrown their space you may consider moving them to another space as topping does not stop the crape from growing back as big in that same spot.
A well-pruned crepe myrtle should look like a tidier more symmetrical version of its original self. Pruners are good for small branches up to 34 inches in diameter. The fruit is a large round yellowish-green fruit that is eaten fresh or dried.
Selectively prune upper branches along each stem to shape a flowing open canopy.
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