02/16/2020
Crape Myrtle pruning..
When pruning crape myrtles many are under assumption of extreme pruning also known to crape murder, topping. Why? We often assume doing so when we see it done by our neighbors or their service companies whom come out to prune them. We even we see this practice done in commercial site stores, restaurants, buildings. Perhaps also because the tree is too close to house, crowded space when planted.
This practice is the worst to promote and perform let alone follow and apply. These trees are meant to grow tall with widespread canopies. Moderate pruning is needed to apply to attract, grow with already vigorous blooms of color, strength. These are full sun trees may be getting too much shade if they aren’t blooming as much. Many flowers won’t grow or pests, fungal diseases can be the problem as well. There are many varieties to plant and/or replace if size becomes the problem.
When pruning crape myrtles throughout months of January, February in dormant season we provide service to properly prune them annually. Here are steps performed in our services provided.
Tipping( removal of dead seed pods, minimal height reduction), structural pruning.
Removal crossing limbs, water sprouts, dead twig size limbs that will not produce new growth in the spring.
Removal of canes, root sprouts, lowest branching to provide clearance, control excessive weight.
All this allows spacing for new growth to fill vigorously, the show of blooms to multiply and profoundly blossom.
If you have a crape myrtle too close to house obstructing roof or other structure there are steps to optional starting over growing a new crape myrtle tree.