LAWN TIPS

CRAPE MYRTLE CARE

If you’ve ever seen a crape myrtle chopped down to thick stubs every year… that’s what we call “crape murder.” 😬
And no — despite what you may have heard — they do NOT need to be cut back like that to bloom.

🚫 What is “crape murder”?
It’s when the tree is aggressively topped, cutting back all the main branches to short knobs.

❌ Why it’s actually harmful:
• Causes weak, fast-growing shoots that break easily
• Leads to fewer (not more) blooms over time
• Destroys the tree’s natural shape and beauty
• Makes the tree more susceptible to disease and stress

✅ What we recommend instead:
Crape myrtles should be lightly and selectively pruned, not butchered.
✔ Remove dead or crossing branches
✔ Open up the center for airflow
✔ Maintain the tree’s natural structure
✔ Only reduce size if absolutely necessary — and done properly

🌸 The truth:
A properly maintained crape myrtle will:
• Bloom beautifully
• Grow stronger each year
• Keep that full, natural canopy everyone loves

💬 If your trees have been “topped” in the past — don’t worry, they can recover with proper care over time.

Want to learn more? Check out guidance from UF/IFAS Extension:
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pruning/pruning-crapemyrtles/

Serving Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, and surrounding Northeast Florida areas.