Ouch! Pruning is surgery and improper surgical procedures cause deformities. As predictable as the return of purple martins and chimney swifts, generally law–abiding citizens assault crape myrtles in the name of spring pruning. Before the pruning police make it to the scene to confiscate the weapons, handcuff the offender, and issue the citation, the butchering has occurred.

Though grabbing the loppers and saw is tempting, in the name of all the defenseless Midlands’ myrtles, put away the shears and take a serious look at the natural form of your crape myrtles. Pruning that preserves their natural form is the best practice.

Crape myrtles are classified as shrubs or trees depending upon the number of trunks and overall height. The natural form of crape myrtles is one major reason for planting them. In addition, the duration of bloom and muscular exfoliating bark make crape myrtle a year–round asset.

If sited properly, crape myrtles are low–maintenance plants. Scientists have bred cultivars tailored for postage stamp gardens to plantations. Compact dwarf “Chickasaw” is only 18 inches tall whereas “Biloxi” becomes 30 feet.

Experts in the south are frequently asked how to prune crape myrtles. Auburn University extension service states that “in the long run crape myrtle will flower well if they are left alone.” They are critical of topping off the tree since it violates the natural form. William Welch, landscape horticulturist at Texas A&M reports, “Pruning should involve only removing dead and twiggy growth to expose the sculptural character of the tree.”

The University of Florida Extension Service advises that crape myrtles require little pruning. Suckers, small twiggy growth and dead wood can be removed. NC State suggests a go–lightly approach to remove only suckers, crossing branches, and dead branches. Walter Reeves, horticulturist and host of Gardening in Georgia on GA ETV states: “Crape myrtles do not HAVE TO be pruned at all.” He says severe pruning promotes raging new growth that can increase insect and pest problems.

The lovely vase–shape natural form of crape myrtle needs little pruning ever. Clemson University Extension Service has prepared an excellent free fact sheet on proper pruning protocol for crape myrtles at http://www.clemson. edu/extension/hgic/plants /landscape/trees/hgic1009 .html

For a step by step visual on how to prune crape myrtles with Steve Bender as your pruning coach visit http://grumpygardener. southernliving.com/

Pruning a plant is like performing surgery on humans. Humans would not elect surgery unless absolutely necessary. Why subject healthy crape myrtles to major surgery?
Topping off induces rampant but weak–limbed canopy growth.
Grotesque surgical scars were formed from years of assault.