When is the Best Time to Trim Crepe Myrtles?

Sep 10, 2024

Experts say crepe myrtles bloom best on new growth. It needs to be trimmed from time to time. But when is the best time to trim crepe myrtles? Ideally, crepe myrtle should be trimmed in late winter before new growth appears in spring.

However, the best time to prune crepe myrtle depends on the local climate and the US hardiness zone you are living in. The answer to when to trim crepe myrtle trees also depends on why you want to cut the plant.

Knowing when to prune crepe myrtles isn’t all you need to ensure new blooms. You also need to understand how to trim a crepe myrtle to coax a second bloom in one year. That’s where we can help. This article will discuss the best time and process to trim crepe myrtles.

Let’s get started.

Understanding Crepe Myrtles

Crepe myrtles are among the most colorful and versatile plants in most regions, especially in the southern landscape. They are beloved for their vibrant flowers, long blooming period, and attractive bark.

If you are looking to enjoy the beauty of these popular flowering shrubs, it is essential to understand the basics of crepe myrtles. Here is a guide to help you understand the characteristics, growing conditions, and varieties of this deciduous shrub.

Origins and Characteristics

Originating from Asia, Crepe myrtles are known for their showy, colorful blooms. They appear in large clusters and come in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and purple.

The flowers are crinkled and look like crepe paper. Hence, the plant is named crepe myrtles. They can range from dwarf shrubs to large trees, depending on the variety. Crepe myrtles have a vase-like shape.

Moreover, they have smooth, peeling bark that can reveal shades of brown, gray, and cinnamon. Its leaves are typically dark green. However, they turn to vibrant shades of yellow, red, and orange in the fall.

Growing Conditions

Crepe myrtles thrive in warm climates. They prefer full sun and require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Sunlight less than this can result in fewer blooms and vigorous growth. What is more, they prefer well-drained, acidic soil to bloom.

Varieties

Crepe myrtles come in a range of varieties. Each variety has its own unique characteristics. Here are some common varieties of crepe myrtles;

Natchez: A taller variety that can grow up to 300 feet tall. They feature white flowers and stunning cinnamon-colored bark.
Muskogee: Known for its light lavender flowers. Muskogee can grow up to 20-30 feet tall.
Tonto: A smaller variety that can grow about 10-15 feet tall. They feature deep red blooms.
Dazzle: It’s a dwarf variety that is perfect for pots or smaller spaces with heights ranging from 3-5 feet.

Best Time to Trim Crepe Myrtles

The best time to trim crepe myrtles is typically between mid-February and March, during late winter. The plant is still leafless throughout this period, and no new growth begins.

It is easier to shape the plant and cut any dead or unwanted branches in this condition. All the branches are easily visible. Pruning at this time encourages healthy growth. Also, it maximizes blooming potential for the coming season.

Trim immediately after the flowers fall to encourage blooming. Pruning is beneficial in late winter when the plant is still dormant. It helps maintain the shape or size of crepe myrtles as new growth is yet to arrive.

However, you should trim crepe myrtles to shape the plant, not to control its height. Avoid trimming in late summer or fall. This can stimulate new growth that may not be hardy before the first frost.

Thus, it will make the tree more vulnerable to winter damage. If you miss trimming in later winter, you can still cut the plant in early spring. This won’t have a significant impact on summer flowering.

Trimming in late spring may cause delayed flowering. Moreover, it is advisable to avoid trimming during summer or fall. You should wait until after the blooming period. Trimming during blooming may cause fewer flowers during the current season.

Signs That It’s Time to Trim

Trimming a flowering shrub at the right time is essential to maintaining its shape, bloom quality, and overall health. Crepe Myrtles is no exception. But when do you trim crepe myrtles?

Here are some signs that indicate it is time to trim your crepe myrtles;

Excessive Height or Overgrowth

If your crepe myrtle is growing too tall or wide for its location, trimming is necessary. Overgrown branches can overshadow other plants or obstruct paths and windows. When tree growth blocks views or entrances, trimming is essential.

Crossing or Rubbing Branches

If the branches cross over each other and cause rubbing, they can wound. This leads to disease or pest infections. It’s a sign that trimming is necessary to reduce the risk of damage. Trimming branches allow better air circulation and sunlight penetration.

Dead or Damaged Branches

If there are any dead branches visible, it’s time to trim the dead branches. Also, look for branches with unusual spots or mold. Trim the damaged part to prevent the spread of infection to the healthier part of the tree.

Lack of Blooming

If your crepe myrtles aren’t blooming as profusely as they used to, you need to trim the plant. Light trimming helps to remove old wood and stimulate new growth. You will get a more vigorous bloom in a new blooming session.

Excessive Density

The thick canopy of the plant can block air circulation and sunlight penetration. When your crepe myrtles look dense, it’s time to thin the dense canopy. Thinning also helps to keep the plant healthy and maintain its shape.

How to Trim Crepe Myrtles?

Trimming helps maintain your crepe myrtles’ health, shape, and ability to produce abundant flowers. However, poor trimming can have adverse effects. So, it is essential to know how to trim a crepe myrtle.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you trim crepe myrtles;

Gather the Right Tools

Before you start, ensure you have all the tools ready to trim your crepe myrtles.

Pruning shears or hand pruners (up to ½ inch thick): Use for small branches and stems.

Pruning Saw (more than 1 ½ inches thick): Used for larger branches.

Loppers (½ to 1 ½ inches thick): Used for medium-sized branches.

Ladder: Used for reaching higher branches if your crepe myrtle is tall.

Step 1: Identify What to Trim

Though it sounds basic, don’t rush to trim your crepe myrtle without having a look at it. Look at the branches. What is your overall view on this? How do you want the tree to be structured?

Look for the dead or diseased branches and branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Identify the trunks that are not necessary. Though crepe myrtles are multi-trunked, it is enough to have three to five or seven trunks.

Limiting the number of trunks helps to reduce its spread and help it form. Better to cut along the branches of a larger trunk as close to the ground as possible. Also, identify the base suckers and water sprouts to trim as they sap energy from the plant.

Step 2: Trim Identified Spots

Start by trimming dead or diseased branches. You can identify them by looking at their brittleness, discoloration, or lack of leaves. Remove any crossing or rubbing limbs to reduce the risk of diseases and pest infection.

Trim any smaller branches (smaller than the diameter of a pencil). This helps to promote new growth. Trim the suckers or water sprouts right at the ground to keep the plant healthy. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle above a branch node facing outward.

Ensure to leave an odd number of trunks in your crepe myrtles, such as 3, 5, or 7. Moreover, cut closer to the collar where the branch meets the trunks. It will help your crepe myrtle to heal faster and prevent further damage.

Don’t cut so deep that it causes damage to the remaining bark. Lastly, some branches grow towards the center of the tree. Trim those branches to allow light and air to reach the inner parts of the tree.

Things to Note:

Cut the tree stem at least a few inches away and below the branch on the first cut.
Cut the tree into three parts when you cut it.
Cut the branch through about ⅓ th of the way.
Next, make a second cut up the branch, this time going about an inch further than the first cut.
The third cut should go along the outside edge of the branch collar.

Step 3: Step Back and Assess

Step back periodically and look at the trees from a distance to ensure a balanced and natural look. Adjust your trim as needed to maintain symmetry and shape. Remove the remaining small branches that do not fit the desired size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When you prune crepe myrtles properly, it encourages blooming, promotes new growth, and gives the plant a great shape. However, there are some common mistakes often gardeners make while trimming.

This negatively impacts the tree’s health, appearance, and blooming potential. Knowing what mistakes to avoid while trimming crepe myrtles will help you be more careful next time.

While it may look tempting to trim from the top, it’s not suggested. Topping can lead to losing the natural shape, a shorter lifespan, and weak growth.
Over-trimming can stress the tree unnecessarily and minimize blooming year after year. It also inhibits the tree’s ability to produce food through photosynthesis.
Cutting too close to the trunk can damage the branch collar. It makes the tree more vulnerable to diseases and decay.
Avoid trimming during the growing session. It can disrupt blooming and cause the tree to put energy into new growth rather than flowers.
Avoiding too much new growth can significantly minimize the number of blooms. Do not cut flush up against the tree.

Post-Trimming Care

Post-trimming care is essential so your crepe myrtles can recover quickly and thrive after pruning. Here are some tips to ensure your crepe myrtles remain healthy and vibrant following trimming.

Offer your crepe myrtles regular sunshine and at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer after trimming in early spring. (We prefer Nelson’s 10-15-9).
Water your crepe myrtle thoroughly after pruning to help it recover from the stress of pruning.
Collect and dispose of all trimmed branches, leaves, and other debris from the area around the tree.
Apply a layer (2-3 inches) of mulch around the base of the tree.

Final Thoughts

And voila! Every crepe myrtle owner should know when is the best time to trim crepe myrtles. Luckily, you now know winter is the best time to trim your crepe myrtles. Get your crepe myrtles ready to look beautiful again before spring rolls around.

FAQs

What Happens if I Trim at the Wrong Time?

Trimming at the wrong time can negatively affect the plant’s health. It reduces blooming potential, encourages weak growth and leggy appearance, increases vulnerability to pests and diseases, etc.

Can I Trim Crepe Myrtles in Winter?

Yes. Mid winter is the best time to trim crepe myrtles, generally between January and March. In the winter, crepe myrtles are leafless and do not have new growth. All the branches are visible. Also, trimming in winter helps to avoid winter injury.

How Much Should I Trim?

As your crepe myrtles grow, trim as much as needed. For light trimming or maintenance trimming, cut no more than 10-15% of the tree’s overall growth. Aim to cut about 20-30% of the tree’s growth for shaping and size control. In case of heavy trimming, cut up to 50% of the tree’s total height.