Your opinion on Crape Myrtle

Question

Pruned or Natually grown: Which one do you prefer? I'm asking this question because my view of Crape Myrtle has been changed. So often I see over pruned trees on the street, and look almost like lollipops. Any opinions will be appreciated.

Answer 1

Many people have the misconception that Crape Myrtles should be trimmed. It is recommended that they should not be trimmed at all with the exception of crossed branches or small twigs. Pruning them back in early spring causes weak growth and less blooms. If left to grow naturally a Crape Myrtle will turn into a beautiful tree. At the end of the day it is a matter of preference but anyone who has experience or knowledge in the industry calls it Crape Rape or Crape Murder.

I have attached a link to the University of Florida, Crape Murder page.  

Answer 2

Pruning should only be done to maintain structure- and health of the tree.  Overpruning is so common.  Just prune once a year afer blooms have faded and branches are naked.  

Answer 3

I think Crape Myrtle should only be pruned to remove dead or crossing branches.  They have a beautiful natural structure and pruning them into lollipops is horrible.

Answer 4

I prefer the shrub unpruned unless the branches are damaged or crossing over other branches.  It's a very pretty landscaping shrub.

Answer 5

My personal opinion is multi-trunk, but I've seen lovely landsscapes with standards that have been well taken care of and are healthy.  

Answer 6

depends on what you like. you  can just cut the branches that are overlapping and do some minor pruning in the winter time or you can cut them like lollipops.