To keep a crepe myrtle tree small and well-shaped, there are a few key steps you can take. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have encountered many situations where crepe myrtles have grown too large and unruly, so I understand the importance of proper pruning techniques.
Firstly, it’s important to note that crepe myrtles are naturally multi-trunked trees. However, if you want to limit their spread and maintain a more compact form, you can choose to have only three to five trunks. This will help to control the size and shape of the tree while still allowing it to maintain its natural beauty.
When pruning your crepe myrtle, it’s crucial to always cut back to a larger trunk branch as close to the soil as possible. This means avoiding leaving any stubs, as they can become entry points for diseases and pests. By cutting back to larger branches, you ensure that the tree will continue to grow in a healthy and balanced manner.
In terms of technique, I recommend using sharp and clean pruning shears or loppers to make clean cuts. It’s also helpful to make angled cuts, around 45 degrees, to promote healing and prevent water from pooling on the cut surface.
One important thing to keep in mind is that crepe myrtles should be pruned during their dormant period, which is typically in late winter or early spring. This is when the tree is least likely to experience stress from pruning and when it’s easier to see the structure of the tree without foliage.
Another tip to keep your crepe myrtle tree small is to regularly prune off any suckers or shoots that emerge from the base of the tree. Suckers are vigorous shoots that grow from the roots and can quickly take over the tree if not removed. By regularly removing these shoots, you can help maintain the desired size and shape of the tree.
In addition to pruning, proper spacing is also crucial in keeping crepe myrtles small. When planting new trees, make sure to allow enough space between them to accommodate their mature size. This will prevent overcrowding and competition for resources, which can lead to larger and less manageable trees.
To summarize, keeping a crepe myrtle tree small involves limiting the number of trunks to three to five, cutting back to larger trunk branches as close to the soil as possible, and avoiding leaving stubs. Regular pruning of suckers and shoots is also important, as well as proper spacing when planting new trees. By following these steps and using proper pruning techniques, you can help maintain a smaller and well-shaped crepe myrtle tree in your garden.
