Can you trim crepe myrtles in the fall

This article covers the topic of pruning Crapemyrtles (also spelled Crepemyrtle, Crepe Myrtle or Crape Myrtle).

Quick note; this is a great time to inspect your crepes for a serious pest called Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (CMBS). Here is our complete blog post on this pest, including how to identify and treat it.

When to Prune?

If you do choose to prune your crepe myrtles, pruning should take place in mid-February to avoid winter injury.

How to trim a crape myrtle into a tree

Pruning should be done only to shape the tree; not to severely control plant height.

Pruning is also not necessary for blooming. The seed heads from last year can remain on the plant all year, and you will still get good blooming in the current year.

What is the correct method?

First of all, pruning crapemyrtles is optional; if the plant is in the correct place and can grow to its mature size, let it grow!

If you need to prune your crapemyrtle tree or shrub, thinning branches to limb up the crapemyrtle is the correct method.

Remove lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil diameter.

While the

when should crepe myrtles be cut back

when should crepe myrtles be trimmed back