3 Tips for Pruning Crape Myrtles in North Florida

When pruning Crape (or Crepe) Myrtles in Florida, there are several tips to help make sure you eventually get the tree you want to enjoy the next summer.
Tip ☝️: Don't commit Crape Murder by pruning them back too hard. Pruning is meant to be simply thinning and pruning back the new growth to stronger branches for support - not hacking with a chainsaw. This could be a full blog in itself....www.themasters...
Tip ✌: Don't prune them flat across. Pruning at an angle reduces the chances you will have a split branch. Pruning at an angle is the best method. www.themasters...
Tip 3️⃣: Don't prune too early. Wait as late as possible in the winter to prune. Just like with a haircut, pruning always promotes new growth. If you cut them back in January, the first warm spell will signal to the tree it's time to flush out for spring. Then, the first frost could stunt the plant. Let it stay dormant until late February or even early March. www.themasters...
Gainesville, Florida Crepe Myrtle pruning can be very tricky if you watch your neighbors for your own cues as t how and when. I've seen some prune their Crapes as early as September (when they're still partially in bloom!) and even harder than this video shows.
We hope you take these tips (and others throughout KZbin and other blogs) to prune your Crape Myrtle correctly and really get the most out of such a beautiful tree this summer!
If you're looking to improve your landscape in St. Augustine, Nocatee, Ponta Vedra, Gainesville, Alachua, Newberry or surrounding areas - call our office at [phone].
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[@robertstephens6541]

Perfect illustration. Simple and to the point. Thanks from Monroe, N.C.

[@themasterslawncare]

Thank you and best of luck to you in pruning Crape Myrtles this year!

[@AERIALBOY1]

thanks for your time ..

[@thegiftlady1]

Tx. I got worried when my young Black Diamond CM (Purely Purple, 4-5'H) started losing its leaves mid-end of Sept., Z9a. All leaves gone now 10/19/22, maybe a straggler left + a few seed pods that didn't open. I'll trim it in Feb as suggested.

[@themasterslawncare]

How did this turn out this spring for you? I hope it came back healthy and vigorous!

[@michaelcervantes9031]

Thanks man! Great video. Do you recommend thinning the middle? My tree seems very crowded and some of the branches have grown together from the previous owner.

[@themasterslawncare]

Absolutely. We recommend thinning cuts and removing any rubbing or crossing branches for a clean canopy that isn't too dense. We also recommend doing this throughout the season as new growth comes in as well.

[@marjoriegoodwin7111]

My crepe is just a stick, how can I get thicker

[@cherylwood3145]

please advice on how to get a crape myrtle back to a manageable height after reaching 20' tall ?

[@themasterslawncare]

That would be extremely difficult to do without really hacking it and having large cuts or knots afterward. I'm sorry there really isn't a great way to do that and avoid it looking "crape murdered" in my opinion.

[@blackhouse7646]

Awesome video. I have branches that are bend. Any way i could have the tree grow straight instead of bending? Can the tree branches be tied together? Thanks in advance

[@themasterslawncare]

You can stake it and tie it to the stakes - and some pruning helps too.

[@jmartinez2735]

Professional!!

[@adamtominsky2812]

We live in Florida, moved in December and moved the tree to a new location by a professional. Here it is May 5, and still no sign of life, there is green under the bark, will it live?

[@themasterslawncare]

Hard to know for certain, but yes it should if green. Make sure to water it really well (drench the entire root ball daily) and also try about 2 hands full of fertilizer around the root ball (not on the base of the tree). This should wake it up if it's going to make it.

[@thegiftlady1]

I'd be worried too! To help us viewers and the YT'er always note your hardiness zone; the variety of plant or tree is also useful.

[@Sandwebbspider]

Thank you for sharing 💪 from Bradenton.

[@themasterslawncare]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@MSDOGS1976]

Good tips. First batch was too butchered. I think you can aggressively cut one but needs to have some form of the tree remaining. Second set was much better.

[@themasterslawncare]

Thank you for watching Marty. Absolutely!

[@marckarbowski1261]

The first one will grow back thicker .

[@mattspyro]

no you dont even need to prune crape myrtles and they'll grow and bloom like crazy. assuming they are planted in the right location

[@themasterslawncare]

It absolutely will grow back thicker, but that doesnt mean it's the most healthy or ideal growth habit. If that's your goal though, you can absolutely prune it that way and it will.

[@bakervinci163]

That is crape rape