deciduous tree
Crape Myrtle: pruning, storm risk and removal
Lagerstroemia indica. Also called Crepe myrtle, Crapemyrtle.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Crape Myrtle at a glance
| Height | 15-25 ft (varies by variety) |
|---|---|
| Spread | 10-20 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 6-9 |
| Lifespan | typically 50+ years |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Native to Asia. Widely planted across the southern and mid-Atlantic US. It is not native here. |
| Roots | Fibrous and fairly shallow. Roots usually do not cause major structure damage. |
| Wood | Very hard and dense. Burns hot and slow as firewood but is often cut in small amounts. |
| Storm risk | lowA small tree with flexible stems. It handles wind well, though heavy topping can lead to weak regrowth that breaks in storms. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a crape myrtle
Best time to prune
Late winter, before new growth. Remove dead, crossing and weak stems, suckers and low shoots. Thin to a few strong trunks.
Avoid pruning
Avoid topping, often called crape murder. It ruins the natural shape and can lead to weak, whippy growth and fewer blooms. Avoid hard pruning in summer or fall.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Pick a variety sized for the spot. Many large-growing types become 20 feet tall or more.
- Do not top the tree. Light thinning in late winter is usually enough.
- Sticky residue and black sooty mold can appear when aphids or crape myrtle bark scale feed. Ask a local pro or extension office about treatment.
- Choose mildew-resistant varieties where summers are humid.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on crape myrtle
- 1Customers often ask for topping. Explain proper thinning and why topping hurts the tree.
- 2Wood is hard on chain and bar, so keep sharp chains handy.
- 3Look for white or gray felt-like scale on trunks. It is a sign of bark scale and sooty mold.
- 4Suckers return fast, so remove them at the base.
Removal notes
Crape myrtles are small, so removal is usually simple. Multi-stemmed trees may need to be taken down piece by piece. Hard dense wood dulls blades, and sprouts from stumps and roots are common, so expect stump grinding or a stump treatment to be discussed.
Wood
Very hard and dense. Burns hot and slow as firewood but is often cut in small amounts.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for crape myrtle
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where crape myrtle grows
Native range: Native to Asia. Widely planted across the southern and mid-Atlantic US. It is not native here.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Crape Myrtle: common questions
What is crape murder?
It is the nickname for cutting a crape myrtle back to thick stubs every year. It harms the tree's shape, can weaken branches and is not needed.
When should I prune a crape myrtle?
Typically in late winter, before leaves appear. Remove dead wood, crossing branches and suckers.
Why are my crape myrtle leaves covered with black stuff?
This is often sooty mold that grows on sticky honeydew from aphids or crape myrtle bark scale. Treating the insects usually reduces it.
Why is there white powder on my crape myrtle?
That is usually powdery mildew, common in humid weather with poor airflow. Resistant varieties and spacing help.
How big will a crape myrtle get?
It depends on the variety. Dwarf types stay under 6 feet, while large types can reach 25 feet or more. Check the plant tag.
Can crape myrtle grow in cold areas?
Most varieties do best in zones 7 to 9, and some hardy varieties survive in zone 6. Cold can kill stems to the ground, but many sprout again in spring.
More trees in the same regions
Own a tree service?
Every crape myrtle job starts with a call you answer
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, online booking and review requests, set up for tree companies. See what we set up and pricing.