One of our members asked: "I bought a beautiful new myrtle to add to my English garden, and the landscaper pruned it back to shape, removing quite a few branches before I had the chance to tell him not to. I read that August is not the right month to prune or trim creep myrtle because it can cause the tree to delay its dormancy which in turn could kill it over the winter. I guess what I'd like to know is if any of you have ever pruned your myrtle in late August and had your tree die from it?". Here is my answer.
Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are beloved for their vibrant summer blooms, attractive bark, and year-round interest. However, when it comes to pruning, timing is crucial to ensure the health and longevity of these beautiful trees. If you've recently pruned your crape myrtle in late August, you might be concerned about whether this could harm your tree, especially as winter approaches. In this blog post, we'll explore the potential risks of late-season pruning, share insights from other gardeners, and offer tips on protecting your crape myrtle through the winter.
Understanding the Timing of Crape Myrtle Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape, health, and bloom production of crape myrtles. However, the timing of pruning is key to avoiding potential issues.
1. Ideal Pruning Time:
The best time to prune crape myrtles is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This is when the tree is dormant, and pruning won’t stimulate new growth that could be damaged by cold weather.
2. Risks of Late-August Pruning:
Delayed Dormancy: Pruning in late summer, such as in August, can encourage new growth. This fresh, tender growth is not hardy enough to withstand winter temperatures, especially if it doesn’t have time to harden off before the first frost.
Winter Damage: If the new growth doesn’t mature in time, it can be killed off by frost, potentially weakening the tree. In regions with harsh winters, this could lead to significant dieback or stress on the tree.
Have Gardeners Lost Crape Myrtles Due to Late Pruning?
While late pruning is generally discouraged, it’s important to note that many gardeners have pruned their crape myrtles in late August without losing their trees. However, the outcome can depend on several factors:
1. Climate Considerations:
Mild Winters: The risk of significant damage from late pruning is lower in areas with mild winters, where frost is not severe or doesn’t come until later in the season.
Harsh Winters: The risks increase in colder regions, where frost can arrive early and be severe. The tender new growth stimulated by late pruning might not survive, leading to dieback in the spring.
2. Severity of the Pruning:
Light Pruning: If only a few branches were removed, the impact may be minimal, and the tree can usually recover. Light pruning might not stimulate enough new growth to be problematic.
Heavy Pruning: If a large portion of the tree was pruned, the tree may push out more new growth, which could be at higher risk of damage from frost.
What to Do After Pruning in Late August
If you've already pruned your crape myrtle in late August, there are steps you can take to protect it and help it survive the winter:
1. Monitor for New Growth:
Keep an eye on your tree for signs of new growth. While it’s natural to see some regrowth after pruning, any new shoots that emerge in late August or September may not have enough time to harden off before winter.
2. Avoid Fertilizing:
Do not fertilize your crape myrtle after late-summer pruning. Fertilizer can encourage even more growth, which increases the risk of cold damage. Instead, allow the tree to naturally slow down as the days shorten and temperatures drop.
3. Mulch for Winter Protection:
Apply a layer of mulch around the tree's base, but not directly against the trunk. Mulch helps insulate the roots and maintain soil moisture, protecting the tree during winter. This is especially important if your area experiences harsh winters.
4. Consider Protective Measures:
Consider wrapping the tree with burlap in regions with severe winters or using a frost cloth to protect it from extreme cold. This is particularly useful if the tree is young or recently planted.
5. Plan for Spring Pruning:
Once winter has passed and the danger of frost is over, you can assess any damage and prune away any dead or damaged branches. Crape myrtles are resilient and often bounce back well from pruning mistakes.
Looking Ahead: Pruning Tips for Next Season
To avoid potential issues in the future, it’s important to plan your crape myrtle pruning for the right time of year:
1. Prune in Late Winter or Early Spring:
Wait until the tree is fully dormant and the coldest part of winter has passed before pruning. This will help you avoid encouraging tender growth that might be vulnerable to frost.
2. Shape Carefully:
When pruning, focus on removing any dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Crape myrtles don’t require heavy pruning, and in fact, many gardeners prefer a light touch to maintain the tree’s natural shape.
3. Avoid “Crape Murder”:
Resist the urge to severely cut back crape myrtles, a practice often referred to as “crape murder.” This drastic pruning can lead to weaker growth and reduced blooms. Instead, prune conservatively to promote healthy, balanced growth.
Conclusion
Pruning a crape myrtle in late August can be risky, but it’s not necessarily a death sentence for your tree. By protecting the tree through the winter and monitoring it closely, you can help it survive and thrive. Remember, crape myrtles are resilient and, with proper care, can recover from most pruning mistakes. In the future, aim to prune in late winter or early spring to keep your crape myrtle healthy and blooming beautifully year after year.
If you have any concerns or want to share your experiences with late-season pruning, please comment below or join our gardening community for more tips and advice!
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