This video shows the proper way to prune a CrapeMyrtle tree that was wrongfully planted in a place not allowing for a natural growth pattern. To keep a crapemyrtle at a manageable height, prune moderately by removing all twiggy growth back to lower growing side branches. This will give the plant a more uniform appearance. Pruning Tools for CrapeMyrtles. 1. Hand pruners: A small pair of pruners generally used to prune small branches and shrubs with stems no larger than half an inch wide. pruned-vs-topped-crape-myrtle Topping may be an easier form of pruning especially when you want to control size, but it makes your tree weaker. Modern crapemyrtles have been bred for disease resistance and sound structural form. One of the most common problems when growing crapemyrtle is improper pruning. The best time for pruningcrapemyrtle is late winter because it’s easy to see all the branches before it has sprouted leaves. Crapemyrtles bloom on new growth... Pruning a CrapeMyrtle is only to train and shape. Once the canopy is formed and training is successful, you only need to remove small dead branches from the trunk of the tree and... Crapemyrtles are actually low maintenance when it comes to pruning. Usually crapemyrtles only need light pruning once the shape of the plant is established. PruningCrapeMyrtles in Late Winter - Step-by-Step Guide.Crepe Myrtle Trees Pruning. When To PruneCrapemyrtle. Candelabra Tree Euphorbia Plant. Preventing “crape murder”. Crapemyrtles generally require a minimum amount of pruning when properly chosen and maintained. Pruningcrapemyrtles is done in winter when they are dormant. The correct method involves reducing side branches for single-trunk trees and shaping multi-trunk trees. Gather pruning equipment. To prune a mature crepe myrtle, you're going to need a few different types of pruning tools. The horticulturists at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden have some suggestions to help you look at crapemyrtles and pruning in a whole new way. Crapemyrtles are probably the most incorrectly pruned plants we grow, with "crape-murder" being the norm, versus the exception. Example of Bad Pruning - Dehorning (Topping) Practice.