How to Prune Crape Myrtles

Video by Zac Ashmore 

If you’ve got landscape chores on your mind, pruning is no doubt on your list. Crape myrtles are a staple in landscapes across the state because of their low-maintenance beauty.

While they don’t need a lot of fussy care, they can benefit from some light pruning in the spring before they flower. Although they can withstand severe pruning, that will leave you with a misshapen tree. 

To keep your crape myrtles performing nicely and true to their natural form, Extension horticulture specialist Jeff Wilson takes you through the steps of how to properly prune a crape myrtle.

Just because it’s time to prune crape myrtles, doesn’t mean it’s time to prune everything in the landscape. Different plants have different pruning schedules and tolerance for pruning methods. So, don’t get too crazy. You can learn more about when and how to prune all the different types of plants you have in your yard in the Extension information sheet 204, “Pruning Landscape Plants.” 

Your plants may not be ready for pruning right now, but there are plenty of things to do in your landscape right now. Check out these Gardening Tasks for February.

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