Crape myrtle trimming: Don’t jump the gun.
Crape myrtle trimming questions are already coming in due to Florida’s unusually dry and mild October. Now that we’re out of rainy season, can we trim our crape myrtles and flowering bushes now? Is it too early? Will it impact their blooming?
Good questions, especially when we all know that pruning during dry periods minimizes fungal and bacterial infections (which are more prevalent in wet conditions). Still, it’s best to wait. Trimming crape myrtles too early may trigger growth that can become damaged in our colder winter months. Plus, we’ve seen it all too often: If you prune too much now (other than removing diseased or dying limbs), your trees will likely look spindly for the rest of the fall season.
Wait until late winter/early spring for crape myrtle trimming.
Instead, wait until late winter/early spring (mid-February to early March) to prune your crape myrtles. Because they’ll be dormant, you’ll be able to see their structure more easily and make cleaner cuts. Trimming during this time also encourages prettier and healthier trees throughout our Florida summers.
So, what about flowering shrubs? Same advice applies – prune late winter to early spring when they’re dormant, right before growing season begins. That way they’ll have plenty of time to prepare for new growth. Keep in mind, though, that spring-flowering shrubs can be pruned after blooming so you can enjoy all their fabulous color.
Enjoy Mother Nature’s music now.
Besides, why would you want to prune back crape myrtles and flowering shrubs prematurely? Other than spring, Florida’s fall months are when the symphonies of residential landscapes harmonize best – with new plantings, seasonal mulch and other enhancements all orchestrated together to make one beautiful impression. Don’t be tempted to trim everything back too early. Enjoy Mother Nature’s music now.
The award-winning designers at ArtisTree Landscape Maintenance & Design are eager to meet with you! Contact Jenni Lassen at jennil@artistree.com or 941.488.8897, ext. 312, to get your dream landscape off the ground. ArtisTree is nationally ranked and proudly services Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and South Hillsborough counties.
Contact ArtisTree
ArtisTree also provides full landscape maintenance services throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. Contact Mike Casper at 941.488.8897, ext. 321, for your custom proposal.
