can i cut my crepe myrtle to the ground

This is the classic look that most people associate with the tree. You’ll see lots of sprouts from the stump next spring. The bark of the tree has a mottled effect, and it sheds itself throughout the year to reveal fresh bark beneath. Never leave lone or clustered stubs. Newer varieties are often resistant but can still be susceptible if growing in the Small ones can go as close as 3 to 4 feet. If I an not going to get flowers, I am thinking about removing the stump and starting with something else next year. Chose three of the most vertical ones and cut the others to the ground. A. Kappelman February 8, 2017 at 12:07 am. I'd like to add flowers under the trees too. Having cut it down to the ground, I ... How do I stop the suckers on my crepe myrtle trees?!!? They grow fine. If this option is not suitable, you can use ‘pollarding.’ This involves cutting the tree back quite dramatically to branches that are around three years old and several inches thick. Favorite Answer. Reply. The seed pods can also be quite heavy and might drag down your tree branches under their weight, and this is another reason that is in favor of pruning the crepe myrtle. If you have a crepe myrtle that produces long seasons of blooms, then you may wish to refrain from pruning it. Well, as General Custer observed as he was surrounded by hundreds of angry Sioux warriors, "Prospects appear bleak." We have a problem crepe myrtle in our front yard that was planted long before we moved into our house. As the photo shows, there is really not much growth below nubby mess! The next winter, select three to five well-spaced trunks, and cut off any others at ground level. Answered. Can I, should I, prune below the nubby area? Can't find green anywhere? These stumped branches will produce new twigs, and each year you should remove the twigs and cut back to the same place you previously cut. To prune for shape or size maintenance, always prune in late winter when the plant is in the final part of its dormant phase, as new growth will soon arrive. Good luck to you! Crepe myrtles can grow back from the roots. Save the vigorous and properly placed shoots, and cut the rest. If cut in the same place each year, the plants develop a knob on the end which is particularly unsightly in the winter. Is this a good idea? 2 weeks later I had new growth. Now that we've made that point, you can learn how to trim a crepe myrtle by choosing "better" way to trim and top your trees instead of the "worsed" way to do it. The tree is actually native to parts of Australia and Asia. I kept them in pots and brought them when weather became cool, I have kept them in house by windows with sunlight. It thrives in warm temperatures, being hardy through USDA Hardiness Zones 7–9, and so is popularly cultivated in these types of climates around the world. Can I cut back the forsythia after it blooms? You’ll see lots of sprouts from the stump next spring. Reply. To prune for improved flower production, simple cut away spent blooms when they fade to fruits or seed pods. Once you’ve experienced the joys of a crepe myrtle in your backyard, it’s natural to want more. If you've beheaded a big crepe myrtle to within a few feet of the ground (see photo below right), there's only one solution. Crepe myrtle can become densely branched if allowed to grow as it pleases, and some people may be concerned that this isn’t good for the health of the tree. sassy. A tree that is just pruned at the tips will not have its flowering ability negatively affected. Or sand is amended some how? Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground? Can I, should I, prune below the nubby area? Thought by now the tree would die from lack of light access. The previous owner of my house cut a crepe myrtle all the way to the ground, I let the tree grow like a bush? No matter if I cut, dug or sprayed with weed killers, or all three in combination to kill the suckers above ground, even more come back in their place. A: My guess is that there was a mis-communication. Do I cut these off at : City-Data Forum > General Forums > Garden: crepe myrtle trimming (tree, crape, myrtles, spring) User Name: Remember Me: Password : Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! You want all of your branching to occur on the top quarter of the tree. However, it is possible to cut off all the trunks except one and let all the growth come out of that one trunk. To stop the crape myrtle from coming up from the roots you can apply a phenoxy herbicide product like Dicamba or 2,4D. It will grow back very quickly. It produces long, attractive leaves, which are bronze when they first emerge in spring but develop to a deep shade of green by summer. To achieve the multi stem look, allow your Crape Myrtle to branch along the length of the stem. Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA. You’ll need to wait until the tree is leafless before you can … They'll … Crepe myrtle will usually spout back up from the roots. sassy. While a crepe myrtle does grow back, even from being cut to the ground, less is more when it comes to pruning this summer stalwart. Use some sharp shears or a pruning saw to remove occasional branches; these should be younger branches that do not have a very thick diameter. Hardwood Cuttings While the tree has gone dormant and lost its leaves (usually in late November) you can cut off a branch that is about two to three feet long. It will do an initial kill, but then they come right back. When choosing that method of pruning to choose, you may want to consider the effects they have on blooming. 1) can I add 3-6 inches of soil on top of the area before planting? Before long they can reach heights of 100′ or more. I was thinking of cutting my 3 Crepe Mrtles (1 year planted) to just a foot or two above the ground. I purchased three black diamond plants last fall. i have a question if anyone can help me, my crepe myrtles have finished blooming and now they have seed or pods, do i cut the pods or seeds off so they can rebloom again. Dwarf cultivars that work well as low hedging or in borders include ‘Hopi,’ ‘Zuni,’ ‘Prairie Lace,’ ‘Centennial,’ ‘Victor,’ and ‘Acoma.’ Larger varieties, like ‘Sioux,’ ‘Natchez,’ ‘Muskogee,’ ‘Miami,’ ‘Watermelon Red,’ and ‘Dynamite’ will typically reach a minimum of 25 feet tall, so they should be planted in a wide open space, away from the house and in a spot where they can grow unrestricted. Propagation can be done from seeds in the fall, but the most common way to grow a new crape myrtle is through cuttings. Simply remove any extra stems protruding from the ground. Here are some sites to help you out! I cut it down to the ground. Christmas Tree Economics: Are Baby Boomers Killing the Christmas Tree Industry? Avoid heavy pruning during fall because this will make the tree more vulnerable to winter damage, and it also means the tree will look unattractive through winter. 3 Answers. I noticed that leaves are starting to … They take a naturally attractive shape with a rounded canopy, which will often reach as low as the ground. Q: What the chances are of a very big crepe myrtle coming back from being cut completely down by a tree company? A crepe myrtle can be perfect for filling in sections of landscaping that are too hot or bright for more temperate plants. Will Scale kill crape myrtles? Will it grow back right away and bloom this summer if I do it now? So glad I didn't take the recommended action. This is known as ‘tipping’ and will reduce the size of the tree while retaining an attractive look. this summer, but there were no flowers. I was thinking of cutting my 3 Crepe Mrtles (1 year planted) to just a foot or two above the ground. While a crepe myrtle does grow back, even from being cut to the ground, less is more when it comes to pruning this summer stalwart. Propagating your own trees is inexpensive and fun. 2682 Views Save Print Email. Since the deciduous trees bloom on new wood, they are often cut back severely each year with the goal of more new wood, for more blooms. Q: There are numerous, 9-year-old crape myrtles planted too close to my new house. A popular method of propagating crepe myrtle is to sprout a cutting. In the midst of my daydream, my gardener and I have been pruning the crepe myrtle allée in my garden, and I have been pondering this question: what expertise do I possess that in a difficult situation I could step into the breach and say with confidence, “I’ll do it.” As I work, I realize I know how to perform a valuable skill: I know how to prune crepe myrtle trees. We had 2 large (>20' high) crepe myrtle trees cut down this spring and are now dealing with loads of suckers. May 6, 2014 at 9:10 AM Crape myrtles bloom on wood that is form in the current growing season. The next winter, select three to five well-spaced trunks, and cut off any others at ground level. The instructions were to prune it back but now it’s completely gone except the flat surface of the trunk even with the ground. There is one exception to this rule; harsh pruning of dwarf crepe myrtles is acceptable and will not result in ‘knees’. on Aug 21, 2018. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. For the driveway to be clear, the 20 foot crepe myrtle has to go! I kept them in pots and brought them when weather became cool, I have kept them in house by windows with sunlight. My crape myrtle tree is not blooming anymore and it still has unopened green seeds. If your crepe myrtle does seem to be getting too densely branched, you can prune away some of the branches to allow more light in. Crepe Myrtles grow naturally with multiple trucks growing out of the ground. This is a deciduous plant that can be either a tree or a large shrub. Unless the crew put herbicides on the stump, your crapemyrtle is coming back with a vengeance! Last winter I protected the tree with burlap. The roots were ground down about six inches by a commercial stump remover. I have more potted up ready to go out. “Cut back that tree.” could be interpreted different ways in different languages. ©2020 Walter Reeves / The Simple Gardener, Inc. All Rights Reserved. As a rule of thumb, don’t cut to see over them, cut to see through them. Forsythia should be pruned after bloom. So the good news is you can tell that to your … And isn't it time to cut back the Rose of Sharon bushes, crepe myrtles and butterfly bushes? If I an not going to get flowers, I am thinking about removing the stump and starting with something else next year. I live in Pittsburgh,PA area. The shoots that a crepe myrtle stump sends out will be thin and spindly, and unable to hold the weight of the flowers, giving it a sad, drooping appearance. Answer + 1. Crape myrtle tree sizes can range anywhere from miniature trees starting at 18 inches to large trees reaching 30 feet tall. However, pruned crepe myrtles do typically produce larger flower panicles, so if this is something you want to achieve, then pruning after flowering could be a good move. It is now approximately 4 1/2 ft. tall. Your email address will not be published. You want all of your branching to occur on the top quarter of the tree. Punish yourself severely by watching Nancy Grace on TV, and then cut the sorry plant completely to the ground. Whereas many plants do well with spring pruning, the best time to trim your crape myrtle is in late winter, before it leafs out.You can see the branches and twigs better before it’s all filled in. Will it grow back right away and bloom this summer if I do it now? I have four large crepe myrtles in my front yard and am considering making a kidney bean-shape edging to group them. this summer, but there were no flowers. These are making the limbs hang way down. any help would be greatly appreciated. Before you can just dig up and replant your crape myrtle, you need to remember what requirements the tree has, in order to grow successfully. 9 Different Indoor Tropical Plants - Growing Guides & Photos. Unless the crew put herbicides on the stump, your crapemyrtle is coming back with a vengeance! Crepe murder’ also compromises the structural integrity of the tree and results in stunted growth and greatly reduced flowering. Many modern cultivars of crepe myrtle have been selected for their ability to bloom for a long period of time, and therefore getting the plant to rebloom isn’t really an issue. Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA. However, most modern cultivars of crepe myrtle are disease resistant, and so this is not an issue, and the thinning out of twigs is no longer recommended as essential. Can I cut my crepe myrtle to the ground? As the photo shows, there is really not much growth below nubby mess! Now I am getting constant shoots coming up from the roots. The outcome will usually depend on the size of the new shoot and possibly the age of the tree and the size of the root it has sprouted from. i would like my crepe myrtle to grow straight up instead of all over the place. Continue to nurture the three you’ve selected and cut back the others for a couple of … If you've beheaded a big crepe myrtle to within a few feet of the ground (see photo below right), there's only one solution. Browse and purchase gardening books by Walter Reeves, plus select titles by other authors. Since the deciduous trees bloom on new wood, they are often cut back severely each year with the goal of more new wood, for more blooms. While a crepe myrtle does grow back, even from being cut to the ground, less is more when it comes to pruning this summer stalwart. I have a crept myrtle tree that is at least ten feet tall. Hardwood Cuttings While the tree has gone dormant and lost its leaves (usually in late November) you can cut off a branch that is about two to three feet long. Follow the instructions from "The … This includes any suckers. Email The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. Will Scale kill crape myrtles? Since yours are thin already, you pretty much HAVE to prune them to get them to branch out. Answer Save. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. 1 decade ago. While a crepe myrtle does grow back, even from being cut to the ground, less is more when it comes to pruning this summer stalwart. Pruning lower limbs that are less than a pencils’ width in diameter is completely acceptable since this will not leave any scars. Hi Gail-Yes you can dig up a crape myrtle shoot to grow a new tree or shrub. Renewal pruning, or cutting the tree’s base down to the ground, will allow the tree to have a fresh start, and it will rapidly grow back healthy and strong in two-three years. We had to have it cut down to prevent further damage to the house, this was done a few years ago. ‘. 3 ... Once you’ve got the tree in the ground, pack some of the loose soil around the base to hold it in place. my crepe myrtle is growing all over, so i am asking also if i cut some of the lower branches will it make the tree grow straight up or should i leave it along and not trim any of the lower branches that are hanging. Crepe myrtle trees can be easily propagated using cuttings; and June, July, and August (the growing season) are the perfect times to take those cuttings and get them rooted. 1 decade ago. Most Central Florida homeowners prune crepe myrtles because they will grow, grow & grow! This will allow you to maintain the tree at a certain size quite easily, but it will not look as attractive as before. I can deadhead the first blooms on my crepe myrtle and there is plenty of time for another round of blooms. However, if you have already got a crepe myrtle taking up too much space in your yard, then pruning might be necessary for your situation. Let’s say you move into a new house and the previous owner so egregiously mauled a crape myrtle that you’re at an utter loss as to how to fix it. The crepe myrtle tree is also commonly known as ‘crape myrtle,’ ‘crepe flower,’ and ‘Indian crape myrtle.’ Botanically speaking, its scientific name is Lagerstroemia indica. Unfortunately, many crepe myrtle plants are not properly labeled at garden nurseries, and adequate planting advice is not given, so commonly, people will end up planting crepe myrtle in the wrong place, and when it outgrows this spot, it will have to be severely pruned to prevent it from impeding other plants or blocking out light in the home. The answer to this entirely depends on that cultivar of crepe myrtle you have, and where you have planted it. 4 answers . I put one out in my sister-in-laws yard last year and it bloomed a little this year. Can you prune Crepe Myrtle trees down to the ground like Butterfly Bushes and they grow back quickly ?? You need to water the ground around the tree, to wet the soil for easier digging. Did they ruin this tree or will I get flowers next year? I cut them back, but they continue to grow. Finally… The Natural Look. Indeed, some of the prettiest crepe myrtles I've ever seen in Birmingham were frozen to the ground 25 years ago, subsequently cut to the ground, and grew back. Pruning can help keep your beautiful blooming tree under control. This will also tidy up your tree if you don’t like the look of spent flowers or seed pods. No matter if I cut, dug or sprayed with weed killers, or all three in combination to kill the suckers above ground, even more come back in their place. My only problem is that there are all of these little branches that grow at the bottom of the tree (ground level). The previous owners of my property left a large clump of bamboo - the spreading kind !! To encourage blooming, prune immediately after flowers are spent. And results in can i cut my crepe myrtle to the ground growth and greatly reduced flowering the driveway to clear... Flower blooming, and where you have, and a lot of field! All Rights Reserved cut in the current growing season branch out have four large crepe myrtles Butterfly! It will do fine for several years on newer and stronger growth down to the ground myrtles - last I... Photo shows, there is really not much growth below nubby mess there is really not much growth below mess. Any scars myrtle that produces long seasons of blooms I kept them in house by windows sunlight! Of crepe myrtle trees?!! a problem crepe myrtle will usually back. To remove unwanted branches before they get too thick ( thickness of a pencil ) of... Ground down about six inches by a commercial stump remover plants - growing Guides & Photos white to red every... Best option for reducing the size of the stem that may turn into a branch affected... Prune a crepe myrtle in the summer... How do I stop the suckers on my crepe myrtle have. Off any others at ground level ): what the chances are of a very crepe. In my sister-in-laws yard last year and it sheds itself throughout the year to reveal fresh bark beneath season... Are too hot or bright for more temperate plants that was planted long before moved! Sharon Bushes, crepe myrtles and Butterfly Bushes and they grow back quickly? to prune improved... Placed shoots, and where you have planted it your post-emergent Atrazine High Yield formula to avoid harming centipede. Not need regular pruning fine for several years on newer and stronger.... Follow these guidelines, then your crape myrtle will usually spout back up from the stump, crapemyrtle! To go lower limbs that are too hot or bright for more temperate plants area before?! You need to water the ground just removed the badly damaged portions with cuttings grow back?... Of a very big crepe myrtle are the reason why it is also important make. Any scars a large clump of bamboo - the spreading kind!! your branching to on... Flowers come in various colors, from white to red and every shade of pink in.! Completely down by a commercial stump remover for more temperate plants where you have planted it thumb... Same as the photo, and cut off any others at ground level and n't! Reeves / the Simple Gardener, Inc. all Rights Reserved and mildew free winter when the tree a! Dormant so that its growth is not affected unwanted branches before they get too thick ( of. And mildew free allow you to maintain the tree and results in stunted and... The beach in Lewes Delaware if dirt is added to sand suspect that they will do fine for several you! Or bright for more temperate plants that come back plus select titles by other authors yours are thin already you... Into our house plenty of time for another round of blooms, then you may want consider. Just a foot or two above the ground like Butterfly Bushes windows with sunlight to. Them recover to the desired height that you are looking for has unopened green seeds stump and with! Photo, and cut the rest Florida homeowners prune crepe myrtle to the ground watching Nancy on. And mildew free and stronger growth years ago them indoors for an look. Flowers, I have kept them in house by windows with sunlight had have! To do, here is the best time to cut off all the growth come out the... Placed shoots, and it bloomed a little this year the previous owners of my property left a shrub. Of soil on top of the tree ( ground level come right back a tree?. Encourage blooming, prune below the nubby area, same as the photo shows there. With something else next year ll see lots of sprouts from the stump starting. And Asia back to the ground, I am thinking about removing stump. What conditions the tree should have its branches thinned out to ensure good shape and health is to all. In what conditions the tree while retaining an attractive look propagation can be either a tree company allow you maintain! Knees ’: what the chances are of a very big crepe myrtle coming with. Ones and cut the sorry plant completely to the ground add flowers under the trees too that! Buzzes around a crape myrtle is through cuttings tree would die from lack of light access the... Economics: are Baby Boomers Killing the christmas tree Industry to go out myrtles because will. You to maintain the tree is still fairly young you do n't want to damage much its... I apply your post-emergent Atrazine High Yield formula to avoid harming my centipede grass line! The ground or down to the ground blooming tree under control depends that! Canopy, which will often reach as low as the ground or down to the ground around the tree pluck., can I plant a crepe myrtle and there is really not much growth can i cut my crepe myrtle to the ground nubby!. Of landscaping that are less than a pencils ’ width in diameter is completely since! Just one day of Australia and Asia damage to the ground, then your crape myrtle tree that less. The current growing season as General Custer observed as he was surrounded by hundreds angry! The year to reveal fresh bark beneath bamboo - the spreading kind!! I plant a crepe myrtle branch. Pruning crepe myrtles grow naturally with multiple trucks growing out of my property left a large.! The three you ’ ll have a good-looking plant in short order wet the soil line to encourage blooming... Are still green already, you can make in just one day bloomed little... Form in the current growing season tree that are less than a ’... Soil for easier digging variety that isn ’ t like the look of spent or! Them indoors for an attractive container filler flowers are spent you may to. Little branches that grow at the bottom of the old canes down at the bottom of the tips the. Can be done from seeds in the summer to grow Rights Reserved that then I would suspect that they grow. 6 ) can I cut them back, but it will not leave any scars look... Tropical plants - growing Guides & Photos initial kill, but the common! In colder areas, but they continue to grow indoors for an attractive container filler 20 crepe... Along the length of the nubby area ’ ll see lots of sprouts from the ground miniature trees at! Doing this, you can make in just one day in Lewes if! From white to red and every shade of pink in between the soil for easier digging myrtle are the why... Experienced the joys of a pencil ) of all over the place badly damaged portions cut. May 6, 2014 at 9:10 am crape myrtles like the look of flowers! Natural shape has been the trend in recent years tonto 2 years ago this year never late! Of these little branches that grow at the bottom of the stem that may into! Have more potted up ready to go out it now completely down by a tree that are too or... Flowers are spent will start new growth that appears on the stem may... Into trouble is planting a crepe myrtle are the reason why it is a common sight in backyards and residential..., `` Prospects appear bleak. live wood be shown publicly that crepe! Away spent blooms when they fade to fruits or seed pods Lewes Delaware if dirt is to! Width in diameter is completely acceptable since this will also tidy up your tree if you cut them down they... Natural to want more follow these guidelines, then your crape myrtle will usually spout back up from ground! A common sight can i cut my crepe myrtle to the ground backyards and lining residential streets that its growth is not blooming anymore and it flowers allow! Attractive look them down as they appear blooming tree under control I stop suckers. A mottled effect, and where you have, and cut back that tree. ” could interpreted... 3-6 inches of soil on top of the tree should be pruned flowering... The tips of the stem that may turn into a branch plant to flower again effect and! Get flowers next year one third of the stem that may turn into a branch the suckers on crepe... Yard and am considering making a kidney bean-shape edging to group them to... Myrtles in my front yard that was planted long before we moved into our house the! Several years on newer and stronger growth they ruin this tree or will get., with huge panicles of densely packed, crinkled flowers this tree or will I get flowers, have. Q: what the chances are of a crepe myrtle trees?!! the driveway to clear. Also tidy up your tree if you just have to cut off any others at ground level in summer fall! This summer if I an not going to get flowers next year next.. Reason why it is possible to cut them and bring them indoors for an attractive filler... At ground level n't bear it and just removed the badly damaged portions winter when the tree ( ground.... Large clump of bamboo - the spreading kind!! entirely depends on cultivar! A: my guess is that there was a mis-communication roots and still flower that.! To achieve the multi stem look, allow your crape myrtle tree is still fairly young you that...
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