With such a wide array of sizes available, crape myrtle can be used as either a bush or a tree. “Varieties that can reach at least 15 to 20 feet are the best to tree form,” Tracy advises.

Before pruning a crape myrtle, first decide if it needs to be pruned at all. As with any pruning project, you must have a specific, valid purpose in mind before you begin.

A poorly pruned crepe myrtle tree can turn into an eyesore with twiggy growth and a lack of flowers. Follow this guide to keep your tree in tip-top shape.

If you're planning to prune the crape myrtle in your yard, ... Best Father’s Day gifts under $50; Prime Day 2025. Best Amazon ... blooms on pruned trees were larger than blooms on un-pruned trees.

Second, you should remember that trees are living things and when we prune them, we are intentionally wounding them. This sets up a response in the tree to try and minimize the damage.

You’ve probably seen crape myrtle trees pruned to look like a coat rack. Hopefully, you’re not guilty of doing this. The term “crape murder” was coined to describe this drastic topping of ...

Then, seeing this, the neighbors will follow their lead and they too will commit crape murder. Please, please do not prune your crape myrtle trees in this way.

To prune a crape myrtle properly, first decide if it needs to be pruned. As with any pruning project, you must have a specific, valid purpose in mind before you begin.

Then, seeing this, the neighbors will follow their lead and they too will commit crape murder. Please, please do not prune your crape myrtle trees in this way.

This falls under the term “crape murder.” The trend in pruning crape myrtles is to “lop off the tops.” The result is a tree that appears like an upside down broom.

Then, seeing this, the neighbors will follow their lead and they too will commit crape murder. Please, please do not prune your crape myrtle trees in this way.