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Crapemyrtle Pruning

Gary W. Knox, Edward F. Gilman, Teagan Young, Ryan W. Klein, and Leynar Leyton

Release Date: 12/23/2024

DOI: 10.32473/edis-ep399-2009

Water Resources

Abstract

Pruning is one of the most controversial aspects of maintaining crapemyrtle. Traditionally, many crapemyrtles were routinely topped, leaving large branch and stem stubs. This practice has been called "crape murder" because most people dislike the winter appearance and many professionals believe the practice impacts crapemyrtle health and structural integrity. UF/IFAS research has clarified the effects of various crapemyrtle pruning practices that resulted in the recommendations in this publication.

About this Publication

This document is ENH1138, one of a series of the Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September 2009. Revised April 2010 and December 2024. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Gary W. Knox, emeritus professor (former author), Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center; Edward F. Gilman, emeritus professor (former author), Department of Environmental Horticulture; Teagan Young, graduate assistant; Ryan W. Klein, assistant professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture; and Leynar Leyton, assistant professor, Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Knox, G. W., & Gilman, E. F. (2010). Crapemyrtle Pruning. EDIS, 2010(2). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-ep399-2009

Authors

Edward F. Gilman

professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture

Gary Knox

nursery crops Extension specialist and professor emeritus, Department of Environmental Horticulture, UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center, Quincy, FL

Ryan Klein

Specialist

University of Florida

assistant professor, arboriculture, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences

View Ryan Klein's Profile