GreenPal released advice on May 22 for homeowners and gardeners about the best practices for pruning crape myrtle trees. The company outlined common mistakes to avoid and described different approaches to shaping these popular ornamental plants.
The information is intended to help readers maintain healthy, attractive crape myrtles while maximizing their blooms. GreenPal said that improper pruning, often called “crape murder,” can damage the natural shape of the tree and potentially harm its health.
According to GreenPal, it is important to prune crape myrtles during winter months when the trees are dormant, typically between November and March. The company said that selecting a desired style—such as single trunk, multi-trunk, or a natural look—is an essential first step before making any cuts. “The reason you should prune your Crape Myrtles is because of one reason… blooms. Only the new growth each year is what produces those lovely blooms that you admire each spring and summer,” GreenPal said in its release.
The article also warns against excessive cutting back of branches—a practice referred to as “crape murder”—which can result in removing too much of the plant at once. While some believe this technique allows for easier maintenance, GreenPal does not recommend it because it may cause long-term damage: “This technique is NOT recommended as it may damage your plant.” Instead, homeowners are encouraged to remove only unwanted suckers (new shoots from the base) unless they prefer a multi-trunk or natural appearance.
Three main styles were discussed: creating a single trunk requires consistent removal of extra stems; achieving a multi-trunk look involves allowing branching along stems while removing inward-growing or rubbing branches; letting the tree grow naturally has become more popular recently and requires minimal intervention.
GreenPal concluded by emphasizing flexibility in approach: “Crape Myrtles are one of the most resilient and prune-able plants I have ever seen. So it’s really just a matter of your preference how much time and effort you are willing to invest into their pruning and care.”
