Under the circumstances, short of leaving it in standing water, I don't really think it would be possible to overwater it short term. It's in severe transplant shock, but they seem to be tough plants, and odds are, as long as it gets plenty of water for the next few months, it should survive.

The absolutely best thing you can do for it at this point, if you haven't already, is to prune it back hard to compensate for the root loss.

Thank you denninmi....I had read that it was good idea to cut it back about 1/3, which I did, including all the flowers so that the energy was not wasted on trying to nourish the branches and flowers. Do you think I should cut it back more?

It's generally not a good idea to prune at transplant. This used to be widely recommended, but has since been proven to be detrimental in most cases. Energy reserves that the plant needs to grow roots are removed, and resources have to be redirected to seal off the pruning wounds. The tree is much better at appropriately dropping its foliage, if needed, than you will be at hacking the tree to pieces and robbing it of its desperately needed energy reserves.

Foliage (leaves only) removal might help in some cases if done soon after transplant. At this point, I wouldn't even recommend that. Devising a way to partially shade the tree (especially from strong mid-day and evening sun) might significantly help. Just be sure whatever you devise doesn't significantly reduce air flow around the plant and won't collapse in windy conditions.

Ditto what brandon says about pruning. Top pruning for compensation of root loss is not recommended. It's counter-productive.

I'd also like to stress that though Crape myrtles have a reputation for being tough, they can still have severe problems when transplanted at the wrong time of year.

And make sure that the soil does not stay saturated. If so, any new roots that just might (might!) begin to grow will have problems unless oxygen is available.

do not water again.. until your index finger.. inserted to the second knuckle.. indicates that the soil is dry or hot ..

and quit worrying... you knew you had to do it at the wrong time... and you did .. so may as well not bother to worry about it ...

ken

Thanks for the great responses, but I've already pruned it and overwatered....is there anything I can do at this point or should I leave it alone? What can I do if I get home and the ground is still saturated? I had put down some pine straw initially so that it wouldn't dry out, should I now remove that to help it to dry out some?

If the soil is wet (more than moist) at a level of 2" to 3" below the surface, you could pull back the mulch to aid in drying. If your soil has decent drainage, you probably won't have to worry about that too much.

As Ken said, keep a good eye finger out on soil moisture and water as needed.

Just relax and don't worry too much about the tree. If it's going to make it, it will. If it isn't, you get to go shopping for some really beautiful new cultivar!!!

hahaha....thanks Brandon, you're right about that. I'll stop worrying. Thanks again everyone!