One of the most common trees we help our customers manage in North Georgia is the beautiful crepe myrtle, known for their long-lasting, colorful summertime flowers. Though they aren’t considered tough to care for, we frequently get asked about crepe myrtle care, pruning, and seasonal considerations.
We’ll cover those basics today:
To care for crepe myrtle trees, plant them in a location with full sunlight and well-drained soil. Water deeply during dry periods and apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and blooms. Regular pruning in late winter helps maintain shape, remove dead branches, and promote flowering.
In this article, you'll discover expert tips for caring for crepe myrtle trees throughout the seasons, including fall and winter maintenance, as well as proper pruning techniques to keep your trees healthy and blooming beautifully.
Nicknamed the “lilac of the South,” the crepe myrtle (or "crape myrtle" tree if you live elsewhere in the country) is beloved by many of our community neighbors and businesses for their vibrant blooms and elegant bark. We understand why they are a favorite in many gardens!
Taking care of these trees shouldn’t be a labor-intensive thing, but there are a few things you should know:
If you haven’t planted your crepe myrtle yet, make sure to plant them in a spot that receives full sunlight for at least six hours a day. This ensures optimal blooming and allows the trees to thrive (planting them in shady areas can result in fewer flowers and slower growth.
If you've planted your crepe myrtle in a non-sunny area, consider transplanting it to a sunnier location during its dormant season (late fall to early spring). If moving the tree isn't an option, focus on proper pruning and care to maximize light exposure and overall health.
Water the crepe myrtle deeply during dry periods, especially for younger plants. These plants need around 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering. This is especially true during hot periods like summer (even moreso if you’re in a dry climate, unlike where we are in Georgia).
Once they’re established, crepe myrtles are relatively drought-tolerant. However, they still benefit from occasional deep watering.
These trees benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring to promote halthy growth and blooms.
One note: avoid over-fertilizing this tree, as excessive nutrients can lead to more foliage and fewer flowers. You’ll know if this is the case if you’re seeing excessive leafy growth with few or no blooms, yellowing or wilting leaves, and a buildup of white crust on the soil surface.
If you notice these symptoms, reduce fertilizer use and flush the soil with water to help remove excess nutrients.
Fall is an important time to prepare crepe myrtles for the colder months ahead. We recommend that during fall, you stop fertilizing the tree to allow the plant to harden off before winter.
Additionally, rake and dispose of the tree’s fallen leaves to prevent fungal diseases from overwintering in the soil.
Lastly, applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree is a good idea during the fall. This allows the tree to retain moisture and regulates the soil temperature.
Keeping these trees protected during the winter season ensures that they emerge healthy in the spring. We recommend that you prune your trees in late winter (or as late as early spring). Pruning the trees too early can leave the tree vulnerable to frost damage.
Additionally, a thicker layer of mulch than the one you laid in the Fall protects the roots from freezing temperatures during the winter months.
If your region has a particularly harsh winter, wrap the trunk f the trees with burlap to shield if from frost and icy winds.
As mentioned earlier, we recommend pruning the tree in the late winter or early spring (this is in line with when to trim most trees in Georgia). This will allow the tree to make it through the cold season and get ready to bloom in the growing season (summer).
Pruning crepe myrtles is both an art and a science. Done correctly, it promotes better blooms and maintains the plant's shape. Follow these guidelines:
Use sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers for clean cuts that minimize damage.
If you follow these best practices, your crepe myrtles will reward you with stunning blooms and robust growth year after year.
You don’t always need a tree service for crepe myrtles, as basic care like watering, fertilizing, and pruning can often be done yourself.
However, for larger trees or major pruning tasks, especially if reshaping or removing damaged branches, a professional tree service can ensure the job is done safely and correctly. As we mentioned above, we frequently help local families and businesses with their crepe myrtle tree care.
Crepe myrtles can be anything from small bushes to large trees with multiple trunks. As we’ve recommended in our article on removing trees leaning on other trees, you should not attempt to trim anything that you can’t reach the top of with a basic household ladder.
If you’re anywhere near the North Georgia area (including South Carolina!), give us a call if you’d like the most professional tree crew in the area to come out and assess your crepe myrtles.
Crepe myrtles typically bloom in late spring to early summer, with flowers lasting through early fall.
Trim crepe myrtles in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to shape the tree and promote healthy blooms.
Crepe myrtles need about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering, especially during dry periods.
Crepe myrtles grow at a moderate rate of 1 to 2 feet per year, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Thank you for considering Leaf and Limb for all of your tree care needs. We look forward to working with you and helping to create a beautiful, healthy landscape for your home or business.
