Crape myrtles are a staple of the Louisiana landscape. Here in Natchitoches, they can be seen lining many streets and are in most yards. Why, then, do we continue to improperly prune one of our most beloved flowering trees? The improper pruning technique of “topping” the crape myrtle has become known as “crape murder.”
The proper time to prune crape myrtles is in the winter but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they need to be pruned every winter. However, when pruning is needed, it needs to be done right. Dead or diseased plant material should be removed. Crossing branches and branches that rub should be removed. This is particularly important because rubbing provides an entrance for pathogens. All pruning should be done to improve the aesthetic appeal of the tree.
“Crape murder” is the practice of completely cutting off the “top” or canopy of the crape myrtle. This type of “pruning” does create quite a bit of growth the following season. However, it is very weak and more prone to fungal diseases. The life of the tree is also shortened by this practice, and it is left as an unsightly stob in the landscape until the spring. As if all of this isn’t bad enough, if the tree is continually cut back in this manner, it develops large ugly knobs at the cutback site called pollards.
This year, when the time for pruning comes, start by deciding if the crape myrtle actually needs pruning to start with. If it does need pruning, just shape it up and remove problematic suckers and rubbing or crossing branches.
For more information contact Randall Mallette, County Agent, at the local LSU AgCenter Extension Office 318-357-2224. You can also visit us on the web at www.lsuagcenter.com or at 624 Second St, Natchitoches.
