Providing crepe myrtles require minimal pruning and provide stunning curb appeal when proper pruning techniques are utilized. Removing the tree’s canopy each season as a pruning technique creates gnarled lobes where weak sprouts will grow that cannot support the weight of flowers(courtesy: greenthumbsgarden. com).
Over the past couple of weeks fellow gardeners have asked that I explain how to prune crepe myrtles, as I often complain (to anyone that will listen) about “neighbors following neighbors” poor pruning behaviors. One neighbor will drastically prune a crepe myrtle, often using a chain saw cutting each trunk level horizontally; this pruning technique quite literally ‘butchers’ the shrub (small tree) …
