A quick google search will show you all the different opinions on trimming crape myrtles…don’t trim them, do trim them, don’t top them, do top them, trim them in the fall, trim them in the winter…etc. etc. etc…
Let us simplify it for you: If done the right way, and at the right time, trimming your crape myrtle is always a good thing. If you have crape myrtles, you need to plan on trimming them. It may be a heavy trimming or a very light trimming, but it does need to be done, an here is why:
Trimming your crape myrtles helps the overall health of your trees. Proper trimming helps promote stronger wood in your trees, and allows for better air circulation in the tree canopy. These things combined give your crape myrtles better protection against harmful insects, disease, fungi etc.
Crape myrtles also bloom off of new growth, and properly trimming your crape myrtle is going to promote that new growth. This will result in BIGGER blooms and MORE blooms throughout the course of the year. Apart from your crape myrtle looking amazing, this helps attract pollinating insects and pest eating birds.
The big question now is, how do you “properly” trim a crape myrtle? In this video we only wanted to discuss the benefits of trimming, but check out our facebook page for proper trimming techniques.
Crape myrtles need to be trimmed while they are dormant…which is right now! The cutoff point is typically the middle of February…so the clock is ticking!
