Crape Myrtle MutilationbyLaura WinbornTexas Master Gardener The annual ritual begins in early winter - the mutilation of crape myrtles. No other Southern tree or bush is subjected to such disfigurement. This shocking behavior may have begun as a means of controlling the size of the plant. Or perhaps someone decided that this lovely bush needed to be cut back during dormancy to stimulate new growth and more blooms. However this tradition began, severely pruning crape myrtles has become part of the collective wisdom and practice of Southern homeowners. Many landscape management companies perpetuate the myth with the annual “topping” of crape myrtles. Crape myrtles selected without consideration of mature size and set too near the house or other landscape features may eventually become too large for the designated space. But to butcher and disfigure a beautiful bush in the name of “keeping it to size” is an aesthetic atrocity. This all too common practice produces great gnarls, knobs and knots that disfigure trunks and limbs and endangers the long range health and vigor of the plant. The good news is there are alternatives to mutilation. Overgrown bushes can be cut to the ground and allowed to regrow becoming a manageable size again for a few years. Oversized plants can be moved to a more favorable location. In many instances, removal and replacement with an appropriate size plant may be the best choice as crape myrtles are now available in a multitude of sizes. With appropriate selection, all that is necessary is to prune and shape as with any other bush. Several years ago, horticulturists suggested cutting no wood larger than a pencil. Many gardeners attempting to follow professional recommendations trimmed off all limbs “smaller than a pencil.” Now, informed persons know that crape myrtles do not have to be pruned at all, but most gardeners like to remove suckers, errant limbs, twiggy or broken branches and dead wood. Seedpods nipped off early in the summer encourage reblooming, but even the lingering seedpods will eventually drop off as new growth occurs. Removing lower limbs as the plant matures transforms it into a small tree displaying strong structural form and beautiful bark. Proper pruning results in a plant that is lovely to behold every season of the year. In the name of Southern generosity and human kindness, resist the urge to “crape murder.” These beautiful plants deserve to be treated with appreciation and respect, not butchered just because everyone thinks that’s what should be done to crape myrtles. Spread the word. Stop the mutilation. | 
