Nothing shouts summer in the US southern states like a crape myrtle tree grove in full bloom with the soft pink flowers twisted up the sky. Usually they grow so easily and their blossoms continue for so many months that people who have them care for them lovingly like someone from their family. Well, except for in the fall when it is time to start pruning them.
Tragically most people are uninformed about the damages they cause when they cut these trees back to almost nothing. This generally leaves an unnatural brush looking stumps where there was a beautiful and majestic tree standing. Many times this will not only cause the growth to become stunted but can also lead to them growing into an unnatural sickly bush like shrub.
Just as there is a correct time to prune them there is also a proper way to prune them. Many times people severely cut them back thinking this will help them produce more flowering branches the following years. In truth this often causes a shorter blooming time, weaker branches and delayed flowering. This practice is as harmful as it is unnecessary for most trees.
Generally late winter or a few months before spring-time is typically best for pruning them. The best method to use is to try enhancing its naturally unique form rather than attempting to force it to take an unnatural shape or form. In a properly pruned tree, the branches will grow up and out not up and then branching into the center.
Look at the tree and follow its trunk and limbs up. Try to look more at the inner than the outer edges of it. The branches you find which twist into other branches at the inside of the plant should be removed. Many people also cut out limbs that are growing incorrectly or is twisted up in a strange and unnatural way.
To remove a limb, follow it back to where it joins to a larger branch or to the trunk. If you look where the two parts meet, you will see an enlarged area called the branch collar. Always prune a minimum of 2 to 3 inches beyond this point, rather than flush with the branch or trunk. In time this outer part of the tree will grow beyond this stub almost as if it was never there.
If you do not prune your trees or a few years have passed, you will remove many branches. Do not let this frighten you. Remember it is best to preserve the plant's natural shape and not cut it to pieces. Trunks can be cut off next to the ground, but this may cause suckers to spring up in the warmer summer months.
Always cut straight and smooth. If a branch cracks or breaks before you can finish cutting it make sure you treat it with a sealant to protect your crape myrtle tree from insects and rotting diseases. Always take off a little at a time. It is often much easier to cut a little more off than wait two years for it to grow back.
Tragically most people are uninformed about the damages they cause when they cut these trees back to almost nothing. This generally leaves an unnatural brush looking stumps where there was a beautiful and majestic tree standing. Many times this will not only cause the growth to become stunted but can also lead to them growing into an unnatural sickly bush like shrub.
Just as there is a correct time to prune them there is also a proper way to prune them. Many times people severely cut them back thinking this will help them produce more flowering branches the following years. In truth this often causes a shorter blooming time, weaker branches and delayed flowering. This practice is as harmful as it is unnecessary for most trees.
Generally late winter or a few months before spring-time is typically best for pruning them. The best method to use is to try enhancing its naturally unique form rather than attempting to force it to take an unnatural shape or form. In a properly pruned tree, the branches will grow up and out not up and then branching into the center.
Look at the tree and follow its trunk and limbs up. Try to look more at the inner than the outer edges of it. The branches you find which twist into other branches at the inside of the plant should be removed. Many people also cut out limbs that are growing incorrectly or is twisted up in a strange and unnatural way.
To remove a limb, follow it back to where it joins to a larger branch or to the trunk. If you look where the two parts meet, you will see an enlarged area called the branch collar. Always prune a minimum of 2 to 3 inches beyond this point, rather than flush with the branch or trunk. In time this outer part of the tree will grow beyond this stub almost as if it was never there.
If you do not prune your trees or a few years have passed, you will remove many branches. Do not let this frighten you. Remember it is best to preserve the plant's natural shape and not cut it to pieces. Trunks can be cut off next to the ground, but this may cause suckers to spring up in the warmer summer months.
Always cut straight and smooth. If a branch cracks or breaks before you can finish cutting it make sure you treat it with a sealant to protect your crape myrtle tree from insects and rotting diseases. Always take off a little at a time. It is often much easier to cut a little more off than wait two years for it to grow back.
About the Author:
If you would like to own a crape myrtle tree, check out www.crapemyrtlefarms.com. For low prices on these beautiful trees, visit Crape Myrtle Farms today at http://www.crapemyrtlefarms.com.
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