Can I Cut My Crape Myrtle Back To The Ground To Get A Bush Instead Of A Tree?

Question

We have large pine and oak trees that are now overhanging our 6 crape myrtles (CM’s). We don’t want to cut the large oak and pines, but they are depriving our CM’s of sun. Short of getting rid of the CM’s, could we cut them back to the ground to turn them into a short bush? (They are about 15-20 feet tall now.). Thanks.

Answer 1

You can cut them to the ground, but they will grow into trees again. You will be left with yearly pruning to keep them short. And they probably won't bloom well, if at all, in the shade. The best option is to move them to another spot in the yard.