Pruning crapemyrtles

The purpose of pruning any tree or shurb is to create a canopy in which air can circulate and all branches receive sunlight. Unfortunately, many homeowners and landscape professionals prune crapemyrtle trees too severely, a practice commonly knows as topping or "crape murder." This is not only unnecessary, but damages the tree and could even shorten its life.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Stop Crape Murder!

UF/IFAS Publications

• Crape Murders on the Rise in Brevard County (PDF, pg. 4)
• Don't Commit Crape Murder (PDF)
• Improper Pruning Damages Crapemyrtles (PDF)
• The Myths of Pruning Crapemyrtles (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Crapemyrtle

Other Sites

• Crapemyrtle Pruning--Clemson Extension
• How Do I Prune Crapemyrtle?--Houston Chronicle
• Pruning Crapemyrtles--Virginia Cooperative Extension (PDF)
• Stop the Crape Murder--Texas Cooperative Extension