
When To Transplant Crepe Myrtle Trees?
I was looking for an easy-care tree with beautiful blooms and discovered Crepe Myrtle. I planted the Crepe Myrtle and found this to be an ideal landscape tree for any backyard. After a few days, I discovered that my Crepe Myrtle was not in the right place and needed to be transplanted.
Now, you may be thinking- what is the best time to transplant a Crepe Myrtle or when to transplant a Crepe Myrtle? Here, I will describe the important things I learned about the right time of transplantation.
If your crepe Myrtle is not getting enough light or space, it may need to be moved elsewhere. In this article, I have shared the reasons, steps, the best time, and other things that will help you transplant the Crepe Myrtle correctly. Unearth the ideal time for relocating your Crepe Myrtle for optimal growth and beauty. Explore insights from gardening enthusiasts.
Can a Mature Crepe Myrtle be Transplanted?
Crepe myrtle is an easy-care and long-lasting tree that can be found with beautiful blooms. This is a tree that can grow well in all types of environments. A mature Crepe Myrtle can be transplanted if it is done at the right time by following the right procedure.
If you planted the Crepe Myrtles in a place and now regret planting the tree in the wrong place, you may want to transplant it elsewhere. However, you must pick the right time to transplant the Crepe Myrtle to maintain the Crepe Myrtle’s health before, during, or after the move.
You may also need to transplant the Crepe Myrtle when the trees require more space, or you want to consider the Crepe Myrtle’s other needs. Though transplanting a Crepe Myrtle can be tricky, it is not impossible. You need to be careful while moving the tree and follow all the steps as required.
3 Reasons Why You Want to Move Your Crepe Myrtle
You want or need to move the Crepe Myrtle for some reason. Learn why relocating your Crepe Myrtle might be necessary, including insufficient light, limited space, or home renovations. Here are some of them:
1. Needs More Light
You may realize that your Crepe Myrtle needs to get more light in its current location. When there is not enough light, it prevents the tree from blooming. So, if you have enough time to transplant the tree, move it to a location with enough sunlight.
2. Outgrows Current Spot
Sometimes, we plant trees without knowing how large they’ll be when mature. Some of them can grow to 25-30 feet tall or more. So, if you planted the tree in a small spot, it is time to realize and relocate the crepe myrtle to a new location where it may get enough space to grow.
3. Additions Around Your Home
You may also need to move the Crepe Myrtle when planting new trees there. So, in case of additions or other constructions around your home, you need to transplant the Crepe Myrtle to a new place.
When To Transplant Crepe Myrtle Trees?
Before you transplant the Crepe Myrtle, you need to figure out when to transplant it. Here are some criteria for choosing the best time to transplant the Crepe Myrtle:
When the Tree is Dormant
The best time to transplant the Crepe Myrtle is when the tree is dormant. This may occur from when the tree loses its leaves to spring leaf break. This is seen during the late fall, winter, or early spring, depending on where you live. Once the Crepe Myrtle loses the leaves, it is the best time to transplant the plant.
When the Soil is Workable
I suggest you wait until the soil is workable. It would help if you waited as long as the soil is not frozen completely solid. If you want to transplant the Crepe Myrtle during the late Spring or Summer, do it later in the year. You should never move the tree when it is actively growing. Because if you move the Crepe Myrtle while it is growing, it may not survive.
Wait Until the Growth Slows
Wait before transplanting the Crepe Myrtle during the fall months. This proves the tree is dormant and does not require much energy to grow. While transplanting the tree, make sure that the tree has enough energy to re-establish the root system.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Transplanting the Crepe Myrtle
If you want to transplant the Crepe Myrtle, you need to consider a few things. For example- you may need to dig up and remove the tree from its current location, prepare the area, and relocate it. Here are some of the easy steps to move the Crepe Myrtle:
Water in Advance
Before you start digging the hole, water the plant for several days. This will help loosen the soil and saturate the roots. As a result, the Crepe Myrtle will get a better environment for transplantation.
Dig the New Hole First
In this step, you should start digging the hole. Choose a location where the Crepe Myrtle can grow its best. While digging the hole, measure the diameter of the current tree. When I transplanted my Crepe Myrtle, I got an idea of the root ball’s size and made the hole wider or deeper according to that.
Uproot the Crepe Myrtle
You need to uproot the Crepe Myrtle carefully. Dig out a circle around the trunk and dig down around the tree. This will help you to remove the soil to get the root ball. While doing this, I accidentally cut down the main root of a Crepe Myrtle.
Though you may need to cut the smaller roots to free the tree, you should not cut the main roots. Take your time and have patience while removing the soil and digging toward the center root ball.
Wrap the Roots
Cover or wrap the root balls with a tarp to protect them when they are out of the soil. Wrap the tarp next to the hole and drag the tree.
Replant the Tree
Once you remove the Crepe Myrtle, replant it in a new location. Place the root ball into the new hole you prepared and add enough soil from the tree’s previous location.
Water Your Tree
When you are done with transplanting your Crepe Myrtle in a new location, water the plants as needed. Create an environment similar to where the Crepe Myrtle was removed. Don’t give much water to the plant, as it can cause harm to the Crepe Myrtle.
Read more, Difference Between Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Caring for Your Newly Transplanted Tree
You may need to give it extra care once you transplant the Crepe Myrtle into a new location. The most important thing is to water the plants regularly. Depending on the rainfall, you may need to water the plants to keep the soil moist.
Do not remove the Crepe Myrtle as soon as you replant it because it will take time to develop and re-establish. Make sure your tree gets enough water and sunshine. So, the newly transplanted tree needs to be cared for and taken care of properly.
How Often Should You Water a Transplanted Crepe Myrtle?
When you are done transplanting a Crepe Myrtle, the most important thing is to water it. I was wondering how often I should water the plants. Afterward, I learned that this could depend on the soil type, sunlight, or size. For example- the larger tree may need more assistance, while the smaller ones require less water.
The Crepe Myrtle generally does not require more water, but a medium amount is necessary. Watering them once or twice a month can maintain the moisture level of the Crepe Myrtle. For getting a better outcome with your Crepe Myrtle, follow the plant’s guidelines on watering. After the transplantation, dig a large hole and prepare the ground. Ensure the soil is moisturized enough to plant the transplanted Crepe Myrtle.
Is Crepe Myrtle Easy to Grow?
If the Crepe Myrtle is in the right location, it is comparatively easy to grow. This is a plant that can grow in any ground or container. The Crepe Myrtle requires less maintenance. The soil must be prepared well, and it should be in a sunny location. Soil containing good drainage is convenient for Crepe Myrtle to grow.
Each year, Crepe Myrtle produces over half a million seeds. Each of the seeds can produce more than one million tiny seeds. So, Crepe Myrtle is an easy plant to grow. This only takes a few steps to water the plants and ensure a healthy tree.
Can You Transplant a Crepe Myrtle in the Summer?
If you want to transplant the Crepe Myrtle in the summer, you should take a while and then decide. Transplanting a Crepe Myrtle that is still growing can shock it and even kill it. In general, it is better to wait until the tree is dormant. If you have already decided to plant a Crepe Myrtle in the summer, place them where it will get plenty of water.
If the Crepe Myrtle tree is bigger, prune it six to eight months before moving. This will help in growing new roots. The rootball should be two to three feet in diameter. Take help from the people closest to you to move the root ball. Once you are done moving the tree, you must water it carefully and deeply.
You can transplant a Crepe Myrtle in the summer. But I will suggest you transplant it before the hot summer arrives. Because in summer, the soil is warm enough for the roots. This can soak up the moisture and affect the tree. Instead of moving the Crepe Myrtle in the summer, you can transplant it in the spring. The plant starts growing this time and gets new leaves. Transplantation in summer can affect the health of your Crepe Myrtle, which can even kill the tree. This is why it is always suggested to plant the Crepe Myrtle when it is dormant.
Conclusion
I hope you have already got the answer about the best time to transplant a Crepe Myrtle. Crepe Myrtle is an easy-care tree you can plant anywhere following the right procedure. Moving the Crepe Myrtle at the right time is very important. Considering the plant’s health and growth, you must pick the best time. Following all the instructions above, you can plant the Crepe Myrtle and get good results.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take a Crepe Myrtle to Grow Fully?
A Crepe Myrtle takes very little time to grow. The Arbor Day Foundation says that Crepe Myrtle can grow at a faster rate, and it can grow about 24 inches per year. It can become 15-25 feet tall. The Crepe Myrtle may take 5-10 years to become mature. If you properly care for the tree, the trees can live more than 50 years.
How Deep Are Crepe Myrtle Roots?
The Crepe Myrtle roots can be 10 to 12 inches deep. If you plan to re-landscape a chunk of your lot, removing the roots and permanently eliminating the problem may be difficult.
What Is the Life Cycle of A Crepe Myrtle?
Crepe Myrtle can live around 25 years. However, some of them can live for 100 years or more. This tree is drought-tolerant and can grow best in the full sun.
In Which Month Do Crepe Myrtles Bloom?
There are different types of Crepe Myrtle. Different Crepe Myrtles bloom at different times. Some Crepe Myrtles may bloom with large clusters of flowers in May, while others may bloom in July or later. When the flowers fade and fall, the fruits are cut from the plant so there can be more blooms.
What Helps Crepe Myrtles Bloom?
The Crepe Mrtles should have a new growth each spring. This will help the tree to produce summer flowers. Fertilize the Crepe Myrtle in late Winter or early Spring. This can help the Crepe Myrtle to bloom faster. If you have not fertilized the Crepe Myrtle till now, it is not too late to water, fertilize, and care for them.