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Top Questions About Crepe Myrtle Trees

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Questions About Crepe Myrtle Trees

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    May 16, 2019
    A.

    We do not recommend topping your Crepe Myrtles.
    This was a common practice many years ago and it is hard to break habits!

    Topping causes the tree to send out new growth that is weak and does not hold up well under its own weight.
    Topping will also delay blooms 4 to 8 weeks.
    Knuckles can form at the prune cuts and are very unattractive.

    This article has correct pruning information.

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/pruning-crepe-myrtle-trees.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    May 26, 2019
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Some cultivars are more like a shrub, while others are like a tree. It is preferred to treat them like a tree for a better looking plant,and healthy plant keeping all undergrowth pruned away.

    If you cut the tops off each year they will grow into a shrub, but this comes with its downfalls as well. They are susceptible to infections from lack of airflow when they are short.

    This collection of articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    May 29, 2019
    Certified Expert
    A.

    If it does not get fertilized each year, then you may want to do this. Pruning correctly is a must, as well.

    This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-not-blooming.htm

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    June 13, 2019
    A.

    Severe pruning can be detrimental to tree health, But there are other possible factors. Look to the growing conditions and water management. Was there any soil/root disturbance, trenching, sewer repair, compaction. drought stress, bark damage at the base of the tree from lawn mower or string trimmer?

    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/sudden-tree-death-causes.htm

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  • Answered by
    BushDoctor on
    July 5, 2019
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Even dying back to the ground every year, you should see blooms. These bloom on new growth, so at some point during the Spring and Summer you should see blooms.

    If not, then you may want to look at the fertility of your soil.

    This article will help you to grow these shrubs, but you may not need some of the information since they die back every year: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/crepe-myrtle-care.htm

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  • Answered by
    Downtoearthdigs on
    July 6, 2019
    A.

    Filling cavities with concrete is an obsolete practice in arboriculture. Research since the 1970s and a long record of experience has shown that there is no advantage for structural integrity or physiological reasons, it won't strengthen the limb, and it won't promote healing. If the outer shell wall is very thin and you fear breakage, there are other ways to strengthen the area or restrict movement of the limb that might precipitate a break. Arborists sometimes use bolting and cabling, and in rare occasions, mostly for aesthetic reasons, use aerosol expanding roofing foam to fill a cavity. This material will bulge out as it expands and dries, but you can shape it with a knife and paint it to blend.

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