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- Q.Crape Myrtle Trimming - I have two crape myrtle trees that are approximately 15-18 feet tall and are approximately 40 years old. They currently ...
- Q.Mistakes Planting Crepe Myrtles - We pruned our crepe myrtles way too far down. Now we have two problems. One, part of the branches are ...
- Q.Crape Myrtle Still Dormant Or Dead - I planted two 6 to 8 foot crape myrtles in the winter. They are transplants from a friend who no ...
- Q.Crepe Myrtle Knot - My Crepe Myrtle has a strange knot in the bark that resembles a dirt dobber's nest. Any thoughts on what ...
- Q.Crape Myrtle Problems - We just transplanted large (4-ft. tall) crape myrtles from the black clay soil of San Antonio to the sandy loam ...
- Q.Crepe Myrtle Tree Diseases - Last year I had two trees that began dropping their leaves in August. This year, right now, I have one Crepe ...
- Q.Crepe Myrtle Trees - I have a large crepe myrtle that keeps on having some of the inner branches die. The outer and upper ...
Asked by
Anonymous on
May 17, 2011Q.Crape Myrtle Trimming
I have two crape myrtle trees that are approximately 15-18 feet tall and are approximately 40 years old. They currently rise above and through my power line. I would like to trim them back so that they will get thick and bloom close to the ground. To do this, I will have to butcher them back to where the current foliage is about 6-8 feet tall. Will cutting them this drastically damage the tree?
Answered by
Nikki on
May 18, 2011
Certified ExpertA.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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- Asked by
Anonymous on
May 17, 2011Q.Mistakes Planting Crepe Myrtles
We pruned our crepe myrtles way too far down. Now we have two problems. One, part of the branches are not growing at all, and the other is that we are getting sprouts off new growth from the roots of the existing trees. If we transplant some of these smaller growths, will they thrive? What can we do about the bigger limbs of the tree that are not thriving?
- Answered by
Nikki on
May 18, 2011
Certified ExpertA.It sounds like you unintentionally pollarded the tree. The branch stumps will eventually sprout new branches, though the tree may look funny for a bit.
The suckers can be transplanted and have a good chance of surviving. You need to make sure that they have some roots of their won when you move them.
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Anonymous on
May 19, 2011Q.Crape Myrtle Still Dormant or Dead
I planted two 6 to 8 foot crape myrtles in the winter. They are transplants from a friend who no longer wanted them. It is the middle of May and no leaves. The bark is green when scratched. Are they going to make it?
- Answered by
Nikki on
May 19, 2011
Certified ExpertA.As long as there is still green, the tree should come back in time.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
May 20, 2011Q.Crepe Myrtle Knot
My Crepe Myrtle has a strange knot in the bark that resembles a dirt dobber's nest. Any thoughts on what could be causing that?
- Answered by
Nikki on
May 21, 2011
Certified ExpertA.This can generally be fixed with pruning. Here is an article that you may find helpful: 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.htmWas this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Sue1938 on
May 22, 2011Q.Crape Myrtle Problems
We just transplanted large (4-ft. tall) crape myrtles from the black clay soil of San Antonio to the sandy loam of south Texas. They sprouted immediately and one is blooming, but the edges of all the leaves are browning, drying out and one tree lost all its leaves. I think I am overwatering, as this sandy soil holds water like a sponge. Should I wait till soil dries out before re-watering? Also, we are in an area of constant, hot winds. Could this be windburn? HELP!
- Answered by
Heather on
May 26, 2011
Certified ExpertA.If they were just planted, you cannot overwater them really (unless they are in standing water) and they sound like they may be in transplant shock. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/watering-newly-planted-tree.htmWas this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
May 23, 2011Q.Crepe Myrtle Tree Diseases
Last year I had two trees that began dropping their leaves in August. This year, right now, I have one Crepe Myrtle that has started shedding what appears to be healthy leaves. I see no pest on the tree, and the leaves look normal. No aphids, no black soot, no beetles, nothing that I can see. HELP!!!!
- Answered by
Nikki on
May 24, 2011
Certified ExpertA.I suspect you have a pest infestation, likely aphids. These insects are sometimes difficult to spot, but just because you don't see doesn't mean they're not there. Treat the trees with neem oil.
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Anonymous on
May 24, 2011Q.Crepe Myrtle Trees
I have a large crepe myrtle that keeps on having some of the inner branches die. The outer and upper edges of the tree are very lush and blooms beautifully each year. What could be causing these branches to die off? I have 2 other crepe myrtle trees and that does not happen to them. I love this tree and am concerned that it is suffering from something.
- Answered by
Nikki on
May 24, 2011
Certified ExpertA.I would simply prune out these dying branches and see if this improves its health. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/crepe-myrtle/pruning-crepe-myrtle-trees.htm
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