Help. Crape myrtle murdered!

[JC and John]

What can be done for my crape myrtle that was cut off We came home from errands to find all branches cut off. We never gave them permission to cut the tree only the shrubs and I have specifically told them on at least one other occasion that we do not want the tree cut. I am so livid over this I just can’t stand it! Now our 8 year old tree is 50 inches of stub! I called the company and left a message since no one answered after 6pm. We are going to demand they replace the tree. Any thoughts?

[Fredman]

It sholud come back. Now is the time to cyt them

[Marathon Man]

In Georgia, Crape Myrtles are very popular. Most people cut them in the spring, exactly as you described. By the end of June, they are regrown and thriving.

[npwalters]

Almost impossible to kill that tree. It should come back better than before.

[billethkid]

It will grow back....more than you think!

[Two Bills]

The harder you cut back the better the regrowth.
Crape Myrtle is as tough as old boots!

[Spoiler]

No problem. It will be good as new in about 10 weeks or less

[Madelaine Amee]

What can be done for my crape myrtle that was cut off We came home from errands to find all branches cut off. We never gave them permission to cut the tree only the shrubs and I have specifically told them on at least one other occasion that we do not want the tree cut. I am so livid over this I just can’t stand it! Now our 8 year old tree is 50 inches of stub! I called the company and left a message since no one answered after 6pm. We are going to demand they replace the tree. Any thoughts?

I feel your pain. You will notice that TV never, ever, murder their trees, they prune them.

We have an incredible Natchez that we have never allowed anyone to murder, we have had it professional pruned. My suggestion to you is to let it grow back and call in an arborist to prune out the weakest shoots and leave the strongest shoots to turn into proper branches, you will still have the knobby knee look that these severe cuttings leave, but over time with careful pruning you can bring it back. One in my neighborhood was murdered over and over again, the new home owners have brought it back and it is now about 30ft tall and just beautiful.

[Bjeanj]

Don’t despair. Happened to ours first year we were down here. I told our trimmer not to do it anymore, as they’re not supposed to be trimmed back that way (although somehow, many people down here thinks it’s supposed to be). Our trees are now gorgeous and very tall. We’ve trimmed a few branches that cross and lower “volunteers”, but otherwise leave them alone.

[bhferri85]

We had 6 of them at our prior home and cut them back (murdered) every February. Great for root and trunk development and they come back better than before every spring.

[Professor]

It will grow back and look even better than before. We have ours done every other year and it looks bad until spring and then...like magic it sprouts new buds and looks very nice. If you have not had this done in the past they probably did you a favor. Just my opinion...

[stadry]

good luck w/that - replacement tree,,, these trees aren't expensive however you can't 'murder' these things - even cutting them off at ground level won't do it. however, IF you don't cut them back (prune) ea yr prior to bloom, they'll turn into ugly multi-branched weed trees,,, pruning to most, is managing growth, & necessary for the trees' good health,,, obviously some think its 'murder' but its only a brush burn to the tree :-) usually ours are chopped in feb
to me, an 'arborist' is a lawn/tree maintenance fellow who speaks better english & charges more to tell you the same thing in a much longer & more articulate explanation/presentation

[alncon2]

Not to worry! Having lived in Georgia and Florida for many years and having owned Crepe Myrtles, these trees get cut back annually and grow out quickly.

[Oneiric]

Crape Myrtles are very resilient. It make take several years but your tree should recover

[Magajane]

Not to worry. If you look around while driving you’ll see a lot of them cut back. It will all grow back.
Ours is trimmed like that every year.by our lawn mowing company.

[toeser]

I hack mine off every year and it regrows at least 8 feet. No need to replace it, but you do deserve at least an apology from your care service.

[Gmb727]

Agree with the others. This is standard maintenance for this type of tree. We learned that when we lived in TN. Scalped it in Feb to make room for the new growth. It grew taller and fuller each year.

[wirenail444]

Relax. Pruning is normal and should be done each year usually in March.

[Dlbonivich]

It makes them thicker with more blooms, TV has straggling look crappy

[greenflash245]

fire them and find someone else to do the cutting. after they replace the tree

[IUFAN]

Be patient ….It will come back.

[rsgolfer]

For maximum blooms and beauty, they should be trimmed back around the first of February every year.

[diva1]

What they did is exactly what they should do. You cut them back, way back, and they will come out beautifully. You do not need another tree! Promise.

[PugMom]

In Georgia, Crape Myrtles are very popular. Most people cut them in the spring, exactly as you described. By the end of June, they are regrown and thriving.
thx for your reply, based on what you said, i was able to uncover a wealth on info on these lovely trees. you are correct. thx!

[Davelinda91]

Let it go! They know how to prune a crape myrtle it’s their job. I’m April you’ll appreciate them.

[merrymini]

Will come back. Be patient. If you do not repeat cut that way, and trim properly, it will rebound and look terrific.

[cdecco]

It will come back beautiful in the Spring. Mine get cut back every year, just like that, and they Bloom Beautifully in the Spring.

[jimhd]

Sorry to hear about the tree being murdered. When we lived in Alabama we had close to 50 on our property. The ones that did the best were never cut back like yours. The ones close to the house that were trimmed back developed the knuckles and looked bad until the new growth came out. They never looked as good as the unpruned ones. We have 6 here and I will never murder them as they are not close to the house.

[Buckeyes76]

the flower clusters in pruned crape myrtles tend to be larger than those from unpruned plants.

[Windguy]

There are many articles and videos on “crepe murder,” why NOT to do it, and what to do if it happens. I suggest people review the available material.

[Guitarman1951]

What can be done for my crape myrtle that was cut off We came home from errands to find all branches cut off. We never gave them permission to cut the tree only the shrubs and I have specifically told them on at least one other occasion that we do not want the tree cut. I am so livid over this I just can’t stand it! Now our 8 year old tree is 50 inches of stub! I called the company and left a message since no one answered after 6pm. We are going to demand they replace the tree. Any thoughts?

Cutting crepe myrtles to the stubs is a normal trimming procedure. Most people cut them every year in February. I have 3 of them that I cut every year. Don't worry. They come back fast and thicker with more flowers each time it is done. They will be just as tall as before in no time once the growing season starts next month.

[Cher_561]

My first year I made them promise not to cut mine back. Then some weeks after my neighbors' trees started growing back theirs were full and healthy and mine looked puny. It usually takes warm weather to start the regrowing and you'll see the difference. Don’t panic, you will see the value sooner than you think.

[BlueHeronFan]

What can be done for my crape myrtle that was cut off We came home from errands to find all branches cut off. We never gave them permission to cut the tree only the shrubs and I have specifically told them on at least one other occasion that we do not want the tree cut. I am so livid over this I just can’t stand it! Now our 8 year old tree is 50 inches of stub! I called the company and left a message since no one answered after 6pm. We are going to demand they replace the tree. Any thoughts?
The proper way to trim crepe myrtles is to only "up the canopy". Triming lower branches only. This helps to provide the shade tree that you can enjoy in your yard. "Knuckling" the tree the first time let alone every year to any tree is awful and incorrect.

[sloanst]

I would bet that greater than 90% of privately owned crepe myrtles are cut back every late winter in The Villages. I murder mine only to see them come back more lush than before. The only thing I can say is do nothing and enjoy them this summer.

[theruizs]

What can be done for my crape myrtle that was cut off We came home from errands to find all branches cut off. We never gave them permission to cut the tree only the shrubs and I have specifically told them on at least one other occasion that we do not want the tree cut. I am so livid over this I just can’t stand it! Now our 8 year old tree is 50 inches of stub! I called the company and left a message since no one answered after 6pm. We are going to demand they replace the tree. Any thoughts?
This is what many do when pruning them so your landscaper likely thought they were just doing their job. Actually, it is NOT the correct way to prune crepe myrtles. It will come back, but if you keep doing it you may not get the desired result long term. As someone else noted, the TV landscapers do not do this. Please read:
Stop Crape Murder: Don’t Cut Back Your Myrtles : NorthEscambia.com (http://www.northescambia.com/2015/01/stop-crape-murder-don’t-cut-back-your-myrtles-3)

[Jodavid]

That's the way it is to be pruned. This is the time of year to trim.

[wielen]

They are always supposed to be cut back like that!! It will come back with all its glory this spring!!! If you look at the crepe myrtles all around they are all cut back!!! Read on the internet that is exactly what should be done!!!👍👍

[KristineTVFL]

The tree will be fine. Many people cut them this time of year. No need to replace it. It will be good as new by blooming time.

[LuvtheVillages]

They are always supposed to be cut back like that!! It will come back with all its glory this spring!!! If you look at the crepe myrtles all around they are all cut back!!! Read on the internet that is exactly what should be done!!!👍👍

Yes, I did read on the internet, and this way of pruning is wrong!

Google "How to prune a crepe myrtle". I read every article on the first page, and they all say the same thing: Do NOT cut it back like this. Simply cut out any crossed branches or suckers, or any weak, thin branches inside the canopy. You will have a beautiful, graceful tree with lovely blooms.

I wish that when landscapers see that a crepe myrtle has not been previously hacked, they would ask before touching it. Or better, ask when they begin a contract with a homeowner.

Our landscaper did the same thing as happened to the OP. I am furious.

[JP]

Why do people think one type of pruning is "wrong" vs. another? Who can say what is wrong or right? It's a plant---do what you want.

[Twofour6]

B4 coming to FL, we lived in GA for 2.5 years. We had 7 Crapes in our large back yard. Come home from work one day and found what you found. Chewed out my trimmer. He told me they's come back better than before. they did. If you want standard 6'-10' crape that's what you'll get and you're going to love it. If you want a 18'/24' ugly crape don't cut them back. Come to my street where I can show you both types.

[Rocket6789]

Just to clarify these are crepe Myrtle you're talking about not crape myrtles, Which are nothing but glorified weeds.

[erojohn]

You will thank your trimmer in a few months. May look butchered now but Short of agent orange this tree will come back and thrive with beautiful lush foliage and long blooming flowers.

[crash]

No problem. It will be good as new in about 10 weeks or less

Not true it will never be as good as new. It will live but never look as nice. There is a reason it is called crape murder and the tree should not be trimmed this way.

[crash]

Why do people think one type of pruning is "wrong" vs. another? Who can say what is wrong or right? It's a plant---do what you want.

The master Gardner’s say that is not the way to trim this tree. Yes you can trim it any way you like but that does not make it right.

[crash]

They are always supposed to be cut back like that!! It will come back with all its glory this spring!!! If you look at the crepe myrtles all around they are all cut back!!! Read on the internet that is exactly what should be done!!!👍👍

Maybe you should read because that is exactly the opposite of what is recommended.

[cricket73]

Not Murdered, lived in North Carolina had 4 crepe myrtles. They were always cut back severely and come back in a couple of months more beautiful then before. That's a normal pruning in Jan/ Feb for that type of tree, seems strange but it does work..

[eltingg]

In my experience you will see new growth very soon. These plants grow as hedges, and tall trees based on how much trimming us done. I have one and trim it way back every year. It comes back fuller with plenty of blooms.

[Villagesgal]

It will come back, just never allow it to happen again. Mine was pruned, chopped off, 5 years ago after 14 years of allowing nature to let it grow as it should. It is just now finally looking natural again. You will want to prune out crossing branches, suckers and weak branches. Do this yourself. Eventually it will be beautiful again as God intended it to grow. Give it time and if you haven't already paid the company, charge them for ruining your tree without your consent, if you already paid them, never use them again. Good luck.

[prntxpresn]

See above

[nevjudbaker]

You are suppose to cut them back. They bloom more often when they are cut back.

[OhioBuckeye]

What can be done for my crape myrtle that was cut off We came home from errands to find all branches cut off. We never gave them permission to cut the tree only the shrubs and I have specifically told them on at least one other occasion that we do not want the tree cut. I am so livid over this I just can’t stand it! Now our 8 year old tree is 50 inches of stub! I called the company and left a message since no one answered after 6pm. We are going to demand they replace the tree. Any thoughts?
Well I can tell you that they Murdered Myrtle. Don’t let them tell you that it will come back. Myrtle’s are a very fragile tree & can only be trimmed certain times of the yr. & nows not the time. To cut it down to 50 in. now it won’t make it. Whoever trimmed it had better take a class on listening I’m sure they’ll give you a line BS. Good luck getting these amateurs to replace it!

[Sunflower33]

I have mine cut every year at this time and it comes back beautiful every year.

[RobertM]

It will grow back no worry give it time

[ts12755]

They always cut them like that...they grow back stronger and healthier real quick.

[JP]

The master Gardner’s say that is not the way to trim this tree. Yes you can trim it any way you like but that does not make it right.

And where does the master gardner get his info. HMMM....

[E Cascade]

https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/pruning/crape-myrtle/

[big guy]

good luck w/that - replacement tree,,, these trees aren't expensive however you can't 'murder' these things - even cutting them off at ground level won't do it. however, IF you don't cut them back (prune) ea yr prior to bloom, they'll turn into ugly multi-branched weed trees,,, pruning to most, is managing growth, & necessary for the trees' good health,,, obviously some think its 'murder' but its only a brush burn to the tree :-) usually ours are chopped in feb
to me, an 'arborist' is a lawn/tree maintenance fellow who speaks better english & charges more to tell you the same thing in a much longer & more articulate explanation/presentation

This is simply not true....on any count.

[big guy]

What can be done for my crape myrtle that was cut off We came home from errands to find all branches cut off. We never gave them permission to cut the tree only the shrubs and I have specifically told them on at least one other occasion that we do not want the tree cut. I am so livid over this I just can’t stand it! Now our 8 year old tree is 50 inches of stub! I called the company and left a message since no one answered after 6pm. We are going to demand they replace the tree. Any thoughts?

I would certainly ask them to replace it but you run the risk of it being replaced with junk. I would be outraged over this type of thing. Remember what/who you are dealing with. I should send you a PM.

[big guy]

We had 6 of them at our prior home and cut them back (murdered) every February. Great for root and trunk development and they come back better than before every spring.

Where do you get your information that they come back better than before and that crepe murder is great for trunk and root development?
It is not true, branches come back weaker, break easily and bloom later.
In the meantime they look awful.

[big guy]

Agree with the others. This is standard maintenance for this type of tree. We learned that when we lived in TN. Scalped it in Feb to make room for the new growth. It grew taller and fuller each year.

Sorry, this is not standard maintenance except by substandard maintenance people.

[big guy]

Cutting crepe myrtles to the stubs is a normal trimming procedure. Most people cut them every year in February. I have 3 of them that I cut every year. Don't worry. They come back fast and thicker with more flowers each time it is done. They will be just as tall as before in no time once the growing season starts next month.

I will sound like your mother, if most people jumped off a bridge would you do it? It is not the right thing to do and it is like the blind leading the blind. It creates weak stems, big blooms that the weak stems have a difficult time holding and breakage if it's windy or a storm.

[Tdsch5012@yahoo.com]

I had one and always cut it back in spring. It will come back no worries.

[big guy]

And where does the master gardner get his info. HMMM....

Years of training by University of Florida agricultural and horticultural professionals.

[Mmarr]

Give it time tree will regrow better then ever.. blooming all the way..
Best to be cut each year..

[Mmarr]

Most wait to late to trim the tree..I always trimmed late fall right after blooming season.. look around the villages..

[dallman12]

So how do you kill a root system of a crepe Myrtle? My plumber is warming me they the roots of a tree I just cut and grinned down will eventually tear up my cement patio and maybe even break my water lines. Previous owners planted these trees too close to the house. Any recommendations to ensure the root system dies?

[Villagesgal]

Drill a hole in what's left of the stump and pour straight roundup or vegetation killer in the hole and then cover with plastic wrap. This will kill any remaining roots.

[theruizs]

Why do people think one type of pruning is "wrong" vs. another? Who can say what is wrong or right? It's a plant---do what you want.

Yes, there is a “wrong” way, and that is any way other than what the owner wants. That is the main point of the OP. They asked them not to do it, and they did it anyway.

[justjim]

Your tree was not “murdered”, it’s definitely still alive. Chill out as this was just a mistake and a communication problem. :popcorn: I don’t want you to get the guy who made the mistake fired. :boom:

[OhioBuckeye]

I hack mine off every year and it regrows at least 8 feet. No need to replace it, but you do deserve at least an apology from your care service.

But remember toeser, they said they cut it down to 50” (5 ft.) that’s basicly just the trunk of the tree. Not saying you’re wrong but I’m sure you just trimmed yours didn’t you? We lived in The Villages, FL. for 8 yrs. & our Myrtle just got trimmed in early spring. The nursery we bought from told us how to care for it, they said not to trim it like the city does along our city streets. If they just planted it, I’m guessing it won’t make it!

[OhioBuckeye]

the flower clusters in pruned crape myrtles tend to be larger than those from unpruned plants.

I’m a Buckeye too. Yes, you said the right word, Pruned. The original comment said they told the pruners not to touch.the myrtle & now they cut it down to 50”. (5 ft.) that’s a stump. Personally I think they just Murdered Myrtle!

[stadry]

we maintain crepe myrtles at several hoa/condo communities - you can see how these flourish when pruned ea yr to the knuckle - not how they turn into scrub trees when they get no care

[stadry]

no idea why the 3rd didn't post - trying this

[CFrance]

we maintain crepe myrtles at several hoa/condo communities - you can see how these flourish when pruned ea yr to the knuckle - not how they turn into scrub trees when they get no care
Where did you get that picture of the un-murdered tree? We have never cut ours to the knuckle, and they are gorgeous and graceful. When the knuckled ones start to grow, they throw out long shoots that look like the suckers that come out of the base of a trunk. In the meantime, they look horrible. That first picture looks worse than the second one, in my opinion.

[big guy]

we maintain crepe myrtles at several hoa/condo communities - you can see how these flourish when pruned ea yr to the knuckle - not how they turn into scrub trees when they get no care

I'm a Buckeye too for what ever that is worth. That first picture that shows the crepe myrtles "knuckled" is just downright ugly. It doesn't look like anything in nature. The second picture looks like a normal tree.

[justjim]

To each his own but most Agronomists will tell you to trim the tree. In the OP’S case, as explained, it apparently was a communication problem. Homeowners have every right not to prune if that is their preference. The good news is the tree will quickly bounce back in a couple of months more healthy and beautiful than ever.

[JP]

Years of training by University of Florida agricultural and horticultural professionals.

Every idea that is an "accepted truth" always begins with one persons opinion which can be right or wrong and over time becomes an accepted norm or truth.

[JC and John]

What can be done for my crape myrtle that was cut off We came home from errands to find all branches cut off. We never gave them permission to cut the tree only the shrubs and I have specifically told them on at least one other occasion that we do not want the tree cut. I am so livid over this I just can’t stand it! Now our 8 year old tree is 50 inches of stub! I called the company and left a message since no one answered after 6pm. We are going to demand they replace the tree. Any thoughts?
Here is an update on our dilemma. Our pruning company contacted us and apologized for the miscommunication and the cutting of our tree. Next we sent photos to them per their request. We now have an agreement in writing to monitor the tree taking pictures as necessary, check regrowth in 6 months, they are not to ever prune the tree again, and any signs of dying they will replace the tree. Thanks to everyone for your advice and positive comments that our tree will come back to its glory in time.

[seoulbrooks]

What a Dump and a New Condo Association - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDlN9S0KFpY&feature=em-uploademail)

[coffeebean]

We had 6 of them at our prior home and cut them back (murdered) every February. Great for root and trunk development and they come back better than before every spring.

But.....with Crepe Murder, also called "knuckling", don't the branches wind up with those large round knots which is what the knuckling is referring to? I don't want our Crepe Myrtles to have those large knuckles. I just have the old seeds pruned off in late February. The trees fill in very nicely and look quite lovely in the summer months.

[perrjojo]

Yes, it will grow back but the beautiful shape will never be the same. Just because many people murder their crape myrtles it does not mean it is the right way to maintain them. There is a reason arborists say to never commit crape murder.

[jebartle]

How can crepe myrtle stubble be more attractive than the tree???????? I don't get it!

[stadry]

here's how the same trees look in blossom,,, ea yrheight increases 4" or 5",,, of course they'll also bloom if left 'unknuckled' but it does take longer here in no atlanta
we trim in february & trees don't mind a bit evidently

[CFrance]

here's how the same trees look in blossom,,, ea yrheight increases 4" or 5",,, of course they'll also bloom if left 'unknuckled' but it does take longer here in no atlanta
we trim in february & trees don't mind a bit evidently


To belabor the point, that is what I don't like about knuckled trees. They shoot long fronds out like suckers look at the base of a tree. They don't look graceful like the trees that are left alone. I much prefer to leave them alone and just prune errant branches like one does with other types of trees.


Knuckling is big in Europe, but mainly because their old plane and some other trees are so massive they become a problem for adjacent buildings. And it isn't necessarily done every year. When it is done in the spring, it's August before these trees fill back out. You lose a whole summer of shade.