The term “crape murder” describes the practice of drastically cutting back a crape myrtle, often removing large limbs or even ...

Don't let old growth see another spring.

Prune crape myrtles in late winter to encourage strong new growth and flower production. Avoid pruning in spring, summer, or fall to prevent cutting off new flowers and stressing the tree. Never top ...

By Amy-Lynn Albertson N.C. Cooperative Extension Picture this: a once-graceful crape myrtle, reduced to sad, bare stumps each winter — a practice known as “crape murder.” Many believe this drastic […] ...

Question: Lots of shoots are growing from the base and among the limbs of a tree form crape myrtle. Can I remove these to allow yard work? Answer: Do the needed pruning to make your crape myrtle more ...

Somehow, the belief that crape myrtles should be brutally pruned by cutting off their tops persists, even though it's inaccurate. Crape murder is a term that has been coined to describe this severe ...

Question: Several crape myrtles have grown well in my landscape. When and how should I prune them for spring? Answer: Actually, you don’t need to prune crape myrtles, but yearly pruning seems to be a ...

When is the best time to trim and fertilize crape myrtle trees? Thanks. — Paul Cantrell Some pruning can be done just about any time you see the need — such as pruning a low branch to get it out of ...

Whenever I get to the Q&A portion of a talk about pruning trees, there is always a question about how to prune crape myrtles. This time of year, those questions are even more common, as folks start ...

A guide to plants to prune in February, as an experienced horticulturist highlights seven shrubs, climbers, and perennial plants to prune this month.