Stop “Crepe Murder”

Donna Buchanan

Buchanan's Native Plants

Some people call it pruning. Others call it "crepe murder." It has to be my worst pet peeve, especially this time of year.

I know you've seen them -- crape myrtle trees with their tops whacked off.  Amputated. They no longer look like graceful trees -- they look more like fence posts or hat racks.

Crepe myrtles are one of the most beautiful flowering trees in the South. Their excellent drought resistance, fast growth, beautiful flowers and low maintenance make them very popular. Many develop interesting peeling bark that adds to their beauty as they age.  Varieties can range in mature height from 2 to 3 feet (dwarf or miniature types) all the way to 25 feet or more in taller varieties.  Keep this in mind when choosing a crepe myrtle to plant in your yard to avoid the temptation to “top” the tree if it gets too tall.

Crepe myrtle trees should never be “topped”. It destroys the natural shape of the tree. They really don’t require any pruning at all, but if shaping or removal of spindly branches is desired, pruning should be minimal and selective. 

Here are a few tips for pruning crepe myrtles:

• Prune when dormant – usually January & February.
• Selectively prune only branches pencil-width or smaller.
• Make the cut close to the base of the smaller branch where it meets the larger branch.
• Remove suckers at the base and trunk of the tree.
• Prune side branches to create a tree shape rather than rounded bush.
• Remember: Pruning does not promote more blooms. 

With proper pruning, the end result is a healthy, graceful tree that is beautiful all year round.

A 'Crepe Murder" Example	A good pruning job -- it still looks like a tree!