Nothing quite says summer in the southern states of the US like a crape myrtle tree in full bloom with its soft pink flower petals turned up toward the sky. Typically they grow so well and their blooms last so long that many people tend to them lovingly like they would a member of their family. That is except for when it comes time to prune them in the late fall.
Sadly many people are clueless about the damage they are doing to them as they cut them back to almost nothing. This often leaves an ugly brush looking stump where there was once a beautifully majestic tree before. Often this not only causes the growth to be stunted on them but can lead to them gaining a sickly bush like appearance.
Just as there is a right time to start pruning them there is a correct way to prune them as well. Many times people will cut them back severely thinking this helps them make more flowering branches in the years to follow. In truth this generally causes a short blooming time, weak branches and possibly delayed flowering. This practice is harmful and it is unnecessary for many shrub's health.
Generally late winter or a few months before spring-time is typically best for pruning them. The best method to use is to try enhancing its naturally unique form rather than attempting to force it to take an unnatural shape or form. In a properly pruned tree, the branches will grow up and out not up and then branching into the center.
Look over your trees and follow the trunk and branches upwards. Try to focus more on the interior than the outside edges. Any branches that you find which crosses over other branches in the interior of the trees should be pruned out. You should also remove any limbs that are growing in the wrong directions or is twisted in some strange unnatural way.
To remove a branch, follow it down to where it is joined to the trunk or a larger branch. Where the two parts are connected, you will notice an enlarged place known as the branch collar. Always cut a bare minimum of two or three inches past this point and never flush with the its trunk or branch. Over time this outer part will heal itself leaving little indication of the limb that was removed.
If you have never pruned your tree or if it has been a long time, you may have to remove many limbs. Do not let this scare you. Remember to always try to preserve the natural shape and not cut it down. Trunks can be removed close to the ground, but this often causes suckers to shoot up in the summer months.
Always cut straight and smooth. If a branch cracks or breaks before you can finish cutting it make sure you treat it with a sealant to protect your crape myrtle tree from insects and rotting diseases. Always take off a little at a time. It is often much easier to cut a little more off than wait two years for it to grow back.
Sadly many people are clueless about the damage they are doing to them as they cut them back to almost nothing. This often leaves an ugly brush looking stump where there was once a beautifully majestic tree before. Often this not only causes the growth to be stunted on them but can lead to them gaining a sickly bush like appearance.
Just as there is a right time to start pruning them there is a correct way to prune them as well. Many times people will cut them back severely thinking this helps them make more flowering branches in the years to follow. In truth this generally causes a short blooming time, weak branches and possibly delayed flowering. This practice is harmful and it is unnecessary for many shrub's health.
Generally late winter or a few months before spring-time is typically best for pruning them. The best method to use is to try enhancing its naturally unique form rather than attempting to force it to take an unnatural shape or form. In a properly pruned tree, the branches will grow up and out not up and then branching into the center.
Look over your trees and follow the trunk and branches upwards. Try to focus more on the interior than the outside edges. Any branches that you find which crosses over other branches in the interior of the trees should be pruned out. You should also remove any limbs that are growing in the wrong directions or is twisted in some strange unnatural way.
To remove a branch, follow it down to where it is joined to the trunk or a larger branch. Where the two parts are connected, you will notice an enlarged place known as the branch collar. Always cut a bare minimum of two or three inches past this point and never flush with the its trunk or branch. Over time this outer part will heal itself leaving little indication of the limb that was removed.
If you have never pruned your tree or if it has been a long time, you may have to remove many limbs. Do not let this scare you. Remember to always try to preserve the natural shape and not cut it down. Trunks can be removed close to the ground, but this often causes suckers to shoot up in the summer months.
Always cut straight and smooth. If a branch cracks or breaks before you can finish cutting it make sure you treat it with a sealant to protect your crape myrtle tree from insects and rotting diseases. Always take off a little at a time. It is often much easier to cut a little more off than wait two years for it to grow back.
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