How to Prune Lagerstroemia Indica Trees

The Lagerstroemia indica or crape myrtle is a small ornamental tree that grows to about 15 feet tall. It produces attractive light green leaves in spring and early summer, profuse dark pink blooms throughout mid and late summer, and brilliant scarlet and yellow leaves in the fall. Proper pruning is essential for distributing blooms throughout the entire tree. Prune crape myrtle in February because blooms are borne on the current year’s shoots.

Pruning snips
Lopping shears
Pruning saw
Pole pruner or stepladder

Instructions

- 1
  Decide on the structure you want for your crape myrtle. You can have a single trunk or a multiple trunk of three to five strong stems. Once you’ve decided on the structure, cut off all sucker shoots at the base of the tree with your pruning shears or knife. Leave only the stems you want to grow. Sucker shoots steal nutrients, harbor pests and make for an unattractive tree. The tree will continue to produce sucker shoots all summer. Trim the shoots back every couple of weeks.
- 2
  Cut off dead branches and crisscrossing branches with the appropriate pruning tool. Use the pole pruner or stepladder to reach upper branches. Cut off the weaker or smaller of the crossing branches. If branches part at a narrow crotch angle, remove the weaker branch. Wider crotch angles provide better support and wind resistance. Cut off unwanted branches close to the tree, leaving the branch collar intact. Avoid leaving branch stubs.
- 3
  Prune branches and spurs that are growing inward toward the trunk or stem of the tree. This will allow light and air to penetrate deep into the tree, which encourages blooms. Allow small spurs that point outward to remain. These will produce flowers. Prune any other branches as needed to shape the tree. If pruned correctly, flowers will be evenly distributed around the entire tree.

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