how to trim a large crepe myrtle tree
The time frame to prune is late winter to early spring as they bloom on new growth. I used pruning loppers and a small chainsaw.
Hgic 1009 Crape Myrtle Pruning Extension Clemson University South Carolina Crape Myrtle Myrtle Tree Patio Landscape Design
The type and amount of pruning depends on the desired shape and size of the plant.
. Dont just casually cut the central branches because you imagine you should. You may need a pruning saw for bigger branches and trunks. If heavy-pruning your too-tall crape is an annual ritual transplant it if.
The goal is to get air ci. They should be pruned to remove unhealthy branches to remove suckers and to allow more air movement in the tree canopy. Prune Crepe Myrtle Trees Like an Expert Begin at the Beginning.
Many people prune their crape myrtles improperly thinking it will improve the shape and appearance of the tree or lead to more flowers. This may call for removing branches 2 inches or less in diameter. This establishes the crepe myrtle as the focal point.
How to prune large crepe myrtle trees. To prune a Crepe myrtle youll need some pruning equipment like a hand pruner for smaller branches and a pruning saw for larger branches. Prune the small lower branches off the main trunks of the crepe myrtle.
Also trim any new growth that appears on the stem that may turn into a branch. Excessively upward and outward the crapemyrtle will be reduced in size. This will give the crepe myrtle a more tree-like appearance and put the growth upwards rather than outwards.
Loppers to cut branches 12-inch to 1-12 inches thick. At the nursery select shapely multi-stemmed trees. Early each spring remove weak spindly growth and all the branches that are growing in toward the center of the plant.
In a formal style the decision on how to prune a crepe myrtle tree is. But prune to restore the natural graceful shape. The good news is most Crape Myrtles can be pruned with hand held shears or long handles loppers.
Formal style pruning is also thought to encourage additional blooming since it forces the tree to grow more new wood which is where blossoms are formed. Loppers are used for bigger branches and may be helpful when pruning your crape myrtle tree You will need a pair of good quality hand pruners to clip branches up to one-half inch in diameter. To properly prune a mature crepe myrtle you need three tools.
Rather than go into detail here Ill provide a link to an article that provides tips for standard pruning and for corrective pruning which is necessary when a crape myrtle has been. As they grow taller gradually remove all side branches up to a height of four to five feet. I normally try to trim Crepe Myrtles every two years but these tress went sev.
Any heavy pruning on crape myrtle should be done in late winter while the tree is in dormancy. Do not prune the top branches shorter crepe murder only remove dead growth in the upper branches. So with that being said it pays to prune your Crape Myrtles in the winter months as soon as November at as late at March when they are dormant.
Loppers are used for branches up to an inch and half thick. In this video I showed how I pruned 4 overgrown crepe myrtles trees. Only shorten branches they will vigorously re-sprout in spring and the tree.
The word crape murder is used quite a. Severe pruning will not kill or injure a healthy crape myrtle. You want all of your branching to occur on the top quarter of the tree.
Crape myrtles require little to no pruning. To begin pruning decide what size and shape youd like your myrtle to be. Hand pruners to clip twigs and branches less than 12-inch thick.
This exposes the smooth handsome bark. Prune large branches back to a crotch. Simply remove any extra stems protruding from the ground.
So if youve already cut the crape myrtle back youll need to wait until late next winter to do any more pruning. With a formal style when you prune crepe myrtle trees you are pruning for outward shape rather than inner openness. Otherwise prune while the plant is dormant winter or early spring to remove lateral branches small twigs or branches in the center of the plant to open more space for sun and air movement.
By removing limbs that go. In this video learn. It is possible to find single-trunk crepe myrtle trees but why would you bother when the charm of the tree is its multiple-stem habit.
Pole pruners or a pruning saw to cut branches more than 1-12 inches thick. This includes any suckers. Watch as one of our expert horticulturalists Ed Laivo as he shares tips and tricks to correctly prune the beautiful Crape Myrtle.
So when it comes to the controversial task on how to prune crape myrtle trees they are different opinions in the south. In this video I demonstrate how I trim a crepe myrtle tree that has overgrown. With proper pruning any of our beautiful sizes and varieties can become a single stem plant.
One of the most wonderful attributes of the tree is the exfoliating bark and constantly cutting branches away limits this process and the resulting aesthetic. Entire branch all the way to the base rather than simply shortening it. Pruning your crepe myrtle tree just because you think you should is a bad idea.
Will resume growing in ways you dont want. Click to explore further. Plan to prune your myrtle in late winter or early spring when it is best for the plant.
If yours are way out of control then a chainsaw might be necessary in the most extreme cases. Corrective pruning should be done to remove damaged or dead branches when a problem is detected.
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