About The Crepe Myrtle

You have undoubtedly seen them lining the streets and enhancing the landscape of many southern neighborhoods. But their attractive flowing flowers are not their only appeal.

The crepe myrtle, or Lythraceae is native to southeastern United States, which is likely why it thrives here. In addition to their hardiness throughout the hot summer, crepe myrtles are also popular among homeowners for their attractive summer blooms, complimented by the pleasing texture of their crepe-like bark. They are also typically deer resistant, which makes choosing where to place them on your property an easier decision.

Basic Care

To maximize the potential of your crepe myrtles, plant them in an area of your yard that receives full sun and ensure that they receive moderate water. Do this, and they are sure to perform for you spring through fall.

So what is the best way to care for these beloved ornamental trees? There seem to be an infinite number of theories out there. Here at Canopy, we follow the general philosophy that crepe myrtles are best maintained by pruning during the winter season, or very early spring.

How To Properly Prune Crepe Myrtles

Crepe myrtles bloom through new wood, so it is important to to keep them properly pruned. The amount of pruning you do, ultimately depends on the size that your tree or shrub currently is and the size you would like it to be in the future. As a general rule of thumb, pruning in the winter during dormancy helps maintain the size  of ornamental trees and shrubs. When you prune during the spring, plants will regenerate and grow larger.

When pruning crepe myrtles, we remove the basal suckers, along with all twiggy growth. We then thoughtfully remove the side branches, leaving space for new growth to come through in the spring.

Do you have questions about pruning or need a professional that can keep your crepe myrtles and the rest of your landscape looking great? Contact Canopy Lawn Care today!