Nothing shouts summer in the US southern states like a crape myrtle tree grove in full bloom with the soft pink flowers twisted up the sky. Usually they grow so easily and their blossoms continue for so many months that people who have them care for them lovingly like someone from their family. Well, except for in the fall when it is time to start pruning them.
Oddly people are often clueless about the various damages they can do by cutting them back to nearly nothing. This often will leave bush like ugly stumps where there once lived a majestic tree. Generally this can cause any growth to be stunted and can cause them to gain a sickly unnatural bush like appearance.
Just as there is a right time to start pruning them there is a correct way to prune them as well. Many times people will cut them back severely thinking this helps them make more flowering branches in the years to follow. In truth this generally causes a short blooming time, weak branches and possibly delayed flowering. This practice is harmful and it is unnecessary for many shrub's health.
Generally late winter or 2-3 months before spring is the best time to do the pruning. The best way to prune them it to try to enhance its natural form rather than trying to force it into an unnatural shape and form. In a correctly pruned tree, its branches grow up and out rather than up and branching to the center.
Look at the tree and follow its trunk and limbs up. Try to look more at the inner than the outer edges of it. The branches you find which twist into other branches at the inside of the plant should be removed. Many people also cut out limbs that are growing incorrectly or is twisted up in a strange and unnatural way.
To prune a limb, follow it to where it connects to a larger limb or to the tree's trunk. If you look at where the parts meet, you can see a slightly enlarged area called a branch collar. Try to prune a minimum of about 2 - 3 inches beyond this area, rather than cutting flush with the limb or tree's trunk. In time this outside part will grow over and cover this stub almost like it was never even there.
If you do not prune your trees or a few years have passed, you will remove many branches. Do not let this frighten you. Remember it is best to preserve the plant's natural shape and not cut it to pieces. Trunks can be cut off next to the ground, but this may cause suckers to spring up in the warmer summer months.
Always try to cut smooth and straight. If a limb breaks or cracks before you are finished cutting it make sure to treat it with a good sealant. A crape myrtle tree is venerable to rotting and insects at this point. When pruning, less is always better to cut off than more. Some plants can take a long time to grow back.
Oddly people are often clueless about the various damages they can do by cutting them back to nearly nothing. This often will leave bush like ugly stumps where there once lived a majestic tree. Generally this can cause any growth to be stunted and can cause them to gain a sickly unnatural bush like appearance.
Just as there is a right time to start pruning them there is a correct way to prune them as well. Many times people will cut them back severely thinking this helps them make more flowering branches in the years to follow. In truth this generally causes a short blooming time, weak branches and possibly delayed flowering. This practice is harmful and it is unnecessary for many shrub's health.
Generally late winter or 2-3 months before spring is the best time to do the pruning. The best way to prune them it to try to enhance its natural form rather than trying to force it into an unnatural shape and form. In a correctly pruned tree, its branches grow up and out rather than up and branching to the center.
Look at the tree and follow its trunk and limbs up. Try to look more at the inner than the outer edges of it. The branches you find which twist into other branches at the inside of the plant should be removed. Many people also cut out limbs that are growing incorrectly or is twisted up in a strange and unnatural way.
To prune a limb, follow it to where it connects to a larger limb or to the tree's trunk. If you look at where the parts meet, you can see a slightly enlarged area called a branch collar. Try to prune a minimum of about 2 - 3 inches beyond this area, rather than cutting flush with the limb or tree's trunk. In time this outside part will grow over and cover this stub almost like it was never even there.
If you do not prune your trees or a few years have passed, you will remove many branches. Do not let this frighten you. Remember it is best to preserve the plant's natural shape and not cut it to pieces. Trunks can be cut off next to the ground, but this may cause suckers to spring up in the warmer summer months.
Always try to cut smooth and straight. If a limb breaks or cracks before you are finished cutting it make sure to treat it with a good sealant. A crape myrtle tree is venerable to rotting and insects at this point. When pruning, less is always better to cut off than more. Some plants can take a long time to grow back.
About the Author:
If you would like to own a crape myrtle tree, check out www.crapemyrtlefarms.com. For low prices on these beautiful trees, visit Crape Myrtle Farms today at http://www.crapemyrtlefarms.com.
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