Nothing really screams summer-time in the southern US states like the crape myrtle tree in bloom with its pink flower petals pointing up toward the sky. Generally they grow so nicely and their flowers are so long lasting that people will care for them lovingly as they would care for a member of the family. That is except for the late fall when it is the best time to prune them.
Sadly many people are clueless about the damage they are doing to them as they cut them back to almost nothing. This often leaves an ugly brush looking stump where there was once a beautifully majestic tree before. Often this not only causes the growth to be stunted on them but can lead to them gaining a sickly bush like appearance.
Just as there is a right time to start pruning them there is a correct way to prune them as well. Many times people will cut them back severely thinking this helps them make more flowering branches in the years to follow. In truth this generally causes a short blooming time, weak branches and possibly delayed flowering. This practice is harmful and it is unnecessary for many shrub’s health.
Generally 2-3 months before spring or late winter or is the correct time to start pruning your trees. The best way is to try visually enhance the natural form not trying to make it into unnatural forms and shapes. In a correctly pruned shrubbery, the limbs grow up and to the outside rather than branching to the center
Look over your trees and follow the trunk and branches upwards. Try to focus more on the interior than the outside edges. Any branches that you find which crosses over other branches in the interior of the trees should be pruned out. You should also remove any limbs that are growing in the wrong directions or is twisted in some strange unnatural way.
To prune a limb, follow it to where it connects to a larger limb or to the tree’s trunk. If you look at where the parts meet, you can see a slightly enlarged area called a branch collar. Try to prune a minimum of about 2 – 3 inches beyond this area, rather than cutting flush with the limb or tree’s trunk. In time this outside part will grow over and cover this stub almost like it was never even there.
If you have not pruned it before or it has been a while, you could have to remove several limbs. Do not be afraid of this. Remember to try preserving their natural shapes and not hack it all up. Trunks can often be removed next to the ground, though this generally causes suckers to start shooting up during the summer months.
Always cut straight and smooth. If a branch cracks or breaks before you can finish cutting it make sure you treat it with a sealant to protect your crape myrtle tree from insects and rotting diseases. Always take off a little at a time. It is often much easier to cut a little more off than wait two years for it to grow back.
You can visit the website www.crapemyrtlefarms.com for more helpful information about How To Prune A Crape Myrtle Tree The Right Way