How to cut back Crape Myrtles the right way.

As we enter into fall people often start cutting their Crape Myrtles back. A better time would be in February, just before it begins to warm up. If cut to early, when we have one of those freaky warm weeks, that we typically get in North Fl. in the middle of winter, the trees will bud out new growth. This makes them vulnerable to the following weeks cold temperature. Causing the new growth to die back inside of the woody material and possibly killing the tree.

The next thing one should consider is how to go about trimming the tree. Most people, educated by watching what their neighbors do, pick a spot on the tree and lop off a branch. Typically lopping off the following years grow at the same spot. This is known as topping. Eventually ending up with an ugly ball of woody material level across the entire tree. It's definitely not natural looking! And actually does damage to the tree. Causing the tree to bloom much later in the year, like late July. Versus a normal bloom time of May or June. Along with less blooms and more summer sprouts from the roots. Causing more maintenance. Topping also makes crape myrtles more susceptible to disease because of the large wounds left by pruning. If you can get by without topping, you can avoid the abnormal look of the tree having big, thick stumps and unproportionate branches. And help it not to expend extra energy to recover.

Make pruning cuts at the crotches of the branches, so it will appear more natural. Think about how a tree should look with upright growth and a rounded top. Crape Myrtles may not need to be pruned if planted in full sun away from walkways and roads, and in areas with room for plant growth.

As always, if you would like some advice or just need someone to do the job right, you can give us a call at Sean Mclean Landscaping and Irrigation 386-466-8269.