Dead Pods at Top of Crepe Myrtle

Question

We planted a large crepe myrtle tree in early spring last year. It bloomed nicely the first summer. We don’t want to cut the myrtle back in size, but we are wondering if we should cut off those pod-looking things on the top of the branches. If so, how far do we cut back from the pod-thing?

Answer 1

No, it will not cause any harm. It is fine to take these pods off. These articles should help with pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/pruning-crepe-myrtle-trees.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm