How to prune Crepe Myrtles?

11 years ago

My mother-in-law and I planted several Crepe Myrtles several years ago and was curious how we would prune them to get the smooth bark? Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

eahamel
11 years ago
You don't prune them. Please don't do that.

The type of bark depends upon its genetics. Some varieties have smooth bark, some have bark that peels. If the varieties you planted have the peeling bark, it may not start peeling until the trees are more mature, though.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
They develop that bark naturally. The hybrids are better known for their beautiful 'skeletons' than the older species. Do you know the names of the trees?

Anyway, a nicely formed Crape myrtle doesn't need to be pruned at all. At the most, they can benefit from some careful thinning and some removal of lower branches and suckers.

If you posted pictures of your trees, we could offer some more personal advice.
Related Discussions
Crepe Myrtle pruning (topping) question
Q
Comments (11)
You can, if you can access the trunks at ground level, take out one or more of the stems (up to a third of them for the next 3 years) at ground level, and let replacements grow up to a natural height. Keep taking out the old trunks until you have taken them all, and they are all now the natural height. If the topping has gone on for a number of years, then it will be hard to have a natural look with the old, topping-grown knuckles there. If you REALLY can't get at the old stems at ground level to take out individual trunks, which may well be the case, you have 2 choices - 1) take all the trunks down at ground level, let the new shoots grow up, selecting 3-7 of the stronger ones, and start over again. Or 2) take the knuckles off to where the stems are straight, select a very few of the resultant sprouts, and train them to grow up as a new canopy. The drawback to this is that there will be a noticeable difference where the cut was made, in the diameters of the trunk and branches. It would help to know the cultivar, so the probable height can be known. If it's one that grows to 30' or more, and there is room for only 20' or less, then you may have to take them out or move them to where there is room for them to grow, replacing them with more suitable cultivars. Rejuvenation pruning of a third of the stems annually will keep the height smaller, but you won't have the muscular-looking, peeling trunks, as those only develop with age, and you aren't letting the trunks age.
...See More
Crepe Myrtle Pruning?
Q
Comments (5)
Biscuit, is there anyway you could attach a picture of this tree? It 'sounds' like your tree has been (eeekkk) topped at some point in the past and all of those little limbs are the result....sort of like a brush cut. There are some pruning techniques that can help a mal-treated crape recover from that kind of care, but I can't really help you without seeing a picture. By the way, crape myrtles don't 'need' to be pruned at all. Other than some very selective pruning to eliminate inward growing branches, crossing branches, and to open up the canopy by shaping, these trees do best (in terms of health) if allowed to grow naturally.
...See More
Pruning very large Natchez Crepe Myrtles
Q
Comments (6)
Actually, though these trees have a reputation for being tough, they should be cared for in a way that improves their chances for a long life. I'm sorry that your trees have had a history of being topped. Though you can shape them to improve them, they will never quite have the beautiful 'bones' of a tree that hasn't been butchered. The best time to prune these trees is in the dormant season when you can see what you are doing! It will be much easier to pick and choose which limbs need to be removed for aesthetics and safety. I see no reason to spray paint the limbs first. Pruning is an art form and an acquired skill. If done improperly, you CAN ruin your tree. If done correctly, you will be able to improve the health and appearance of your trees a great deal. There is quite a bit of good information on the internet about making proper cuts, tools, etc. Plus, there are some good illustrated books out there. I strongly believe that if a tree is too large to be pruned without a ladder, then a homeowner has no business with a chain saw in his hand. Most crape myrtle pruning can be done with a tree saw (large and small), and some good loppers. A good tree saw, by the way, cuts through branches like a knife through butter. Do you happen to live anywhere near Huntsville? I'm going to conduct a (free) crape myrtle pruning class sometime this winter.
...See More
more new beds....lots of before and after pics
Q
Comments (12)
GGG - I know what you mean. My DD said it is POURING in Buckhead and my son in Mid town said the same. I LOVE it . I stay out and work in the pouring down rain. I am used to running in it so it feels wonderful. Natal: I pointed out to DH what needs to come out and he agreed so that will be done this weekend. Opens up the tree and lets more sun to the bed and to the little bed also. All good !! Xuan...whay do they not have mulch ? I bet cause there are not so many trees. We have so many pines that they cut for pulp and then mulch. A waste I guess I don't know for sure. I love the unmulched beds of Holland. When we were living there I used to LOVE the "fat dirt" that was between the plants. They never ever use mulch. The long handled cultivator was used to weed the few weeds and then leave the rich black soil showing. I think you should definitely start a cottage business. C
...See More
brandon7 TN_zone7
11 years ago
Well, IMO, there are a couple of things you can do to highlight your crApe's bark.

First thing I'd do is select somewhere between 3 and 7 trunks. Having more trunks is too busy looking (at least to me) and tends to distract from each individual trunk (and therefore the bark). Also, by limiting the crape to fewer trunks, each trunk will grow somewhat larger, and do so a little quicker, than for multi-stemmed specimens. Larger trunks will display bark better.

The other thing is to limb up the trunks, eliminating foliage on the lower 1/3 (or at least a few feet) of each trunk. Lower foliage blocks the view of the bark and makes crapes look more shrubbish than multi-trunked treeish.

This post was edited by brandon7 on Mon, Feb 4, 13 at 20:43
eahamel
11 years ago
Brandon, that's what I've done with mine - selected a few trunks, and removed the growth from the lower parts. I left the blooming tops, though, and those won't be pruned ever, unless I want to deadhead them. I like that exfoliating bark! I planted a Natchez for the bark.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Crape Myrtle

By Becky Harris

With long-lasting blooms and gorgeous exfoliating bark, this ornamental tree brings bright color and a unique form to the landscape

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES How to Prune Your Flowering Shrubs for the Best Blooms

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Less is often more when it comes to properly pruning flowering shrubs. Here’s what to do and why

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 5 Best-Behaved Trees to Grace a Patio

By Bill Marken

Big enough for shade but small enough for easy care, these amiable trees mind their manners in a modest outdoor space

Full Story

WINTER GARDENING California Gardener's January Checklist

By Bill Marken

Winter-defying blooms and pruning saws earn a cheer, while California-focused gardening design books get a well-deserved shout-out

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Pretty Trees for Patios, Paths and Other Tight Spots

By Frank Organ

Choose trees for their size, shape and rate of growth — or shape them to fit your space. Here's how to get started

Full Story

TREES 11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting

Full Story

115

GARDENING GUIDES How to Avoid Overcrowded, Overpruned Shrubs

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Go for a more natural look that’s easier and less expensive to maintain by giving your plants the right amount of growing room

Full Story

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Luscious Cherries

By Marianne Lipanovich

Nope, they’re not the easiest fruit to grow. But with spectacular blossoms and pies as possibilities, cherries are sure worth a try

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN The 7 Best Plant Types for Creating Privacy and How to Use Them

By Falon Mihalic

Follow these tips for using different kinds of plants as living privacy screens

Full Story

CURB APPEAL Take Your Hell Strip to Heavenly Heights: 8 Design Ideas

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Trade weedy dirt and trash for a parking strip filled with wispy grasses, low-growing flowers and textural trees

Full Story

How to prune Crepe Myrtles?

Comments (4)

eahamel

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7

Related Discussions

brandon7 TN_zone7

eahamel

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US