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Top Questions About Crepe Myrtle Trees

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Questions About Crepe Myrtle Trees

  • Answered by
    Heather on
    November 7, 2010
    Certified Expert
    A.

    If you prune right now, you will diminish next year's blooms. The tree has not entered a solid state of dormancy yet and pruning now could bring it back out of dormancy and make it susceptible to cold damage. If you wait until mid-winter to early spring (between Jan 1st to mid March) it will be better. Here is an article to help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    November 17, 2010
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Regardless of where you live, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring. This article will help:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/best-crepe-myrtle-pruning-time-when-to-prune-crepe-myrtle.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    November 22, 2010
    Certified Expert
    A.

    This is sooty mold, a common problem with crepe myrtle trees. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    December 24, 2010
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You should be able to, but without knowing the exact shape of the tree, we would not be able to tell you how this would affect the future shape of the tree. It would be worth it to have a landscaper who is experienced with crepe myrtles come and look to make sure that the tree will retain a pleasing shape if this sort of pruning is done.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    December 31, 2010
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Crepe myrtles can easily take this kind of pruning without endangering the tree. We normally advise against this kind of pruning, as it can deform the tree visually, but it sounds like you do not have a choice. Prune it in late winter or early spring and cut out the branches you need to with a sharp, clean shear or saw, depending on the thickness of the branch.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    January 6, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It sounds like you may have some sooty mold left over from the pest problem (these two issues normally go hand in hand). The sooty mold will not hurt the plants, though it does make them look unsightly. In the spring, apply a fungicide to the areas. This should help clear it up and make it look better.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    January 7, 2011
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can prune them while they are dormant. Some people prefer to wait, as pruning while dormant can decrease the blooms in the next season, but it will not harm the plant.

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