Proper Pruning of Crape Myrtles is Essential

Crape myrtles are one of the most popular ornamental plants for the landscape. Their blossoms provide abundant color throughout the summer, and the plants require minimal care. Since their flowers are produced on the new growth, winter is the preferred time for pruning. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe crape myrtles should be heavily pruned to the point of being butchered. The result is plants that have the appearance of tall stumps. Some prune excessively with the mistaken belief that these actions will stimulate the production of more flowers. Others engage in this practice because the plants have grown too large for their site. This intense pruning causes weak new growth the following spring with the increased susceptibility to pests. In most cases, a light pruning is all that is required. 

   The butchering of crape myrtles makes it more susceptible to pests. A landscaper once told me he took over the maintenance of a large commercial property that had a substantial number of crape myrtles. Half had been butchered, but the other half were not touched. The following summer, those that were pruned improperly had a terrible infestation on Asian Ambrosia beetles, whereas those not pruned had minimal problems with the insects. 

Butchered crape myrtles 'crape murder' is harmful to the plant
and makes it more
vulnerable to environmental stressors and pests
(Photograph by Timothy Daly)

  Crape myrtles are pruned to improve the structure of the plant and increase the circulation of air in order to reduce disease occurrence. Pruning stimulates the growth of new shoots that form flowers. However, it is not an essential requirement for flowering. Many of the old crape myrtles planted along highways have never been pruned but produce an abundance of attractive floral displays. They have smaller clusters of flowers, but with more of them the overall floral impact has not been diminished.
     Keeping crape myrtles pruned to maintain their appropriate form is simple. If the growth from the past year has made the plant taller than the desired height, prune out the new growth. Prune branches that are dead, diseased, growing inwards and those that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Remove suckers that have sprouted from the roots and the lower trunk. The goal is to prevent the plants from becoming so overgrown that extreme pruning is needed. 

Properly pruned crape myrtles perform well, are healthy,
produce excellent blossoms and are not overly troubled
by pests. (Photograph by Timothy Daly)

    Sometimes heavier pruning is required, particularly on plants that have not been pruned for several seasons. Identify the main stems and remove any others that have sprouted from the roots. Cut out any branches that are rubbing against each other. Decide on the desired height and make selected cuts in the top of each trunk for a reduction in size. The preferred shape is for the crowns to be a little flat, with the sides tapering to a rounded shape. Some varieties of crape myrtles are quite tall. They should be planted in locations where they can grow to their natural height without constant pruning to keep it the desired size. 

    Crape myrtles are a positive addition to the home landscape. They will be healthier and produce an abundance of colorful blossoms throughout the summer if properly pruned.

   For more detailed information on how to prune crape myrtles correctly, please refer to the following publication from Clemson University - Crape Myrtle Pruning: 

https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/crape-myrtle-pruning/