Gardenmagik , Pruning Crape Myrtles, Back to the Garden

The correct way to prune Crape Myrtles. Open up the center and make the tree look taller.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Back
• to
• the
• Garden
• Melissa
• Allman
• pruning
• funny
• educational
• city
• hall

[jennvick7]

best video I have seen on CM pruning. My CM's are about 8-9ft tall but they were once chopped to just the trunks about 4-5 ft from ground (not by me). were the cuts are there are numerous sprouts 3-4 ft tall. I feel I should remove some of them from each leg, but not sure. Some mains have up to 10 branches sprouting up. Any suggestions? I would like to get them on the right track again.

[gardenmagik]

@jennvick7 ... Thanks so much for the nice comment! & Yes, you are exactly right...just selectively cut some of those 'skinnier branches/sprouts' off, (from where they come from at the main trunk).. Leave the fattest 3 or 4. You will need to watch in spring (to keep new sprouts off). Also, keep suckers off that sprout from the base of tree..The tree will probably never look eXActly perfect, but yearly maintenance will eventually make the tree look better and better.. Good luck!

[TheBrassHole]

I like your accent. Will you tell me a story while I eat my beeeskits and gravy?

[gardenmagik]

Hey! you eat bees kits with yer gravy?? Lol... Thanks for the nice comment!

[tamaman7777]

Thanks for the video. I have a question. I have 6 CM's that have never been pruned. They are 5 years old. They shoot straight up and have no shape. Could I do a vase cut or V cut the top out? Or should I just limb it up? Love your video! You sound like us here in Arkansas too.

[gardenmagik]

You can also limb the CMs up only if the lower branches are in your way ( when mowing or walking ) but it sounds like they are skinny enough...

[dumpysinclair]

I'm in SC, it's 40 degrees in the morn and 70 in the afternoon. Is it still ok to limp them or should I wait until it's cold again?

[hugegiantfrogs]

as trick for pruning branches: I use my cordless 18v saw zaw. demolition saw. using a wood cutting blade, it whips off those branches like hot knives through butter, literally.

[gardenmagik]

Are the CM's multi trunk or one single trunk? I would suggest cutting only 1/3 to 1/4 off the top- if they have never been pruned , (clean cut at an angle so water sheds off the cut). Dont do a v cut... It should help them thicken up a little..Also, try to kill any grass that might be strangling the trunk. They need full sun too! Thanks for the question! I hope this helps ya.

[gardenmagik]

You are Welcome! and Thanks for the comment! it made me lol too! No C.M. murder!