Shoots From Crepe Myrtle

Question

We have several crepe myrtle trees in our yard. They are mature trees, but around the base we get a lot of shoots that also bloom. How do we handle these offsprings from the main tree? Some of them grow in clusters a little distance from the main tree.

Answer 1

You want to catch those little buggers as soon as you see them pop up and cut them back all the way to the ground, if possible. Do not try to kill them with spray or anything because they are tethered to the mother plant.
The ones that are a little distance from the tree need to be dug up with a spade and discarded or you can use them to start new plants.
It may take a few years but eventually you will see less and less new growth and they may even stop all together.

Answer 2

They are root suckers. You can remove them without harm to the tree and if they have roots when you remove them, you can plant them somewhere else to grow. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-sucker-removal-and-tree-sucker-control.htm