How to Prune Crepe Myrtles

The correct way to prune crepe myrtles

1. You should prune your crepe myrtle between February and mid-March.
   
2. Use sharp pruning sheers or loppers to cut limbs and twigs.  Do not use handsaws and chainsaws if possible. Both leave a more jagged cut which can lead to disease.
   
3. When removing suckers or a limb, cuts should be made with the bottom side of your bottom shear blade resting on the tree with the top angled away at a 45 degree angle.
   
4. Cut away sucker growth. Suckers start as small new branches that grow up from the base of the tree. These should actually be removed throughout the year to keep your tree healthy and looking good.
   
5. Aim for an odd number of canes (main trunks) in the amount of 3 or 5 or 7 depending on your tree. Generally you will want to keep the ones largest in diameter.
   
6. Keep between a 1:1 to 2:1 ratio from the height of the crown to the height of the trunk. This means the first branches should start between a third and half the tree's total height. Use 1:1 for shorter varieties and 2:1 for taller varieties.
   
7. Remove any twigs growing off the trunk causing clutter. Cut any twigs that are growing inward toward the main trunks.
   
8. Its a great time to evidence of poor past pruning attempts shown by clusters of partially cut twigs.
   
9. If two branches are touching, its time to make a choice.  One has to go for the sake of the tree.  Pick the one that will have the least impact on the look and health of the tree and get rid of it. Don't worry about the main trunk, they will grow into one another over time and that is fine.
   
10. Prune the stems.  Leave three to four evenly spaced branches. This will give your tree a balanced look and reduce the risk of fungus and disease.
    

The wrong way to prune crepe myrtles

Do not top or knuckle your crepe myrtle, sometimes called "crepe murder". This creates poor tree structure and a significant loss of the tree's stored energy.  This practice will lead to increased disease, a poor appearance, and, if used consistently year after year, the death of the crype myrtle.

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This is the irregular growth that happens when a crepe myrtle has been topped.  It is very unhealthy for the tree and, I've gotta say, pretty ugly too.

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