When is the best time to trim back (prune) crepe myrtles? Every year?
by
Dixie
+4
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
Rule of thumb for any flowering shrubs after they are finished blooming.
The experts in Central Texas say you can trim crepe myrtles, but to NEVER top them (cut off the top a ways down). I don't have a crepe myrtle unfortunately, but I agree -- when the top is cut off severely, it looks like the poor tree has been decapitated and is very unsightly.
It's a good idea to prune them after the last frost which usually means around this time of year.
Horticulturalists whom I know say to not ever prune crepe myrtles.