Danny’s Do’s & Don’ts: Crape Myrtles

 

 

 

Do:

• Choose a crape myrtle variety that will mature to the maximum height you desire so no pruning is necessary

• Allow the tree to grow to it’s maximum height

• Prune any suckers that grow at the base of the tree

• Protect against damage from lawnmowers and weed eaters if planted in an open space with a tree ring or other edging

• Do apply Tree & Shrub drench annually to protect them from Scale bugs that cause the limb and trunk bark to turn black
 

Don’t:

• Commit “Crape Murder” (see below) by cutting the plant to a certain height each year, this is unsightly and damages the tree
 

 

 

• Forget to fertilize each spring to help them bloom to their potential

• Plant them too deeply, leave 2” of the root-ball above the soil line when planting

• Place any dirt on top of the root-ball after planting, this can severely damage the tree over time

• Forget to spread 2-3 inches of mulch on top of the root-ball to help prevent water evaporation and to cool the soil in the heat of summer