AboutJim Hyland Expertise I am an expert in Forestry, Forest Entomology, Forest Pest Control, and Forest Health. Extensive knowledge in Identification of insects and diseases of trees. Expert on Bark beetles and other insects that attack forests. Also a Registrated Forester with extensive knowledge in the management and care of forests.
Experience 34 years as State Pest Management Chief in a Southern state. Extensive knowledge in Forestry.
BS with major in Forest Management and Entomology Registered Forester Certified Pesticide Appicator
Question We live in Florence, SC our crepe myrtle is in the ground about 18 mos it is doing good what should we use/when to fertilize it & when should we prune it? Thank You.
Answer Fertilize with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good in the Spring. For this young (small) of a tree I would use about a cup of fertilizer.
The practice of chopping off the tops of crape myrtle has become very commonplace. Many people believe that it is required to promote flowering; some prune because the plant is too large for the space provided; others see their neighbors doing it and feel the need to follow suit. There are some instances in which heavy pruning is necessary, but light pruning is usually all that is needed. The type and amount of pruning depends on the desired shape and size of the plant.
Crape myrtle does not require heavy pruning to promote bloom. Flowers are produced on new growth. It will produce flowers without any pruning, although it will produce larger flowers and bloom more profusely if at least lightly pruned. Pruning in late winter or early spring before the leaves bud out (about Feb. in SC) will stimulate vigorous new growth in the spring. Encourage a second bloom in summer by pruning flowers immediately after they fade.
To develop a tree shape, remove all limbs growing from ground level except the three to five strongest limbs. As the tree matures, remove lower, lateral branches (“limbing up”) one-third to halfway up the height of the plant. Remove branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other and shoots growing into the center of the canopy. Make your cuts to a side branch or close to the trunk. As it grows taller, remove lower branches as needed. Remove any future growth from the ground to retain the desired tree shape. This basal sprouting may occur whether the tree is being pruned or not. Pull these out when succulent instead of pruning them.
You may feel the need to improve the appearance by removing the seed heads in late winter or early spring before growth begins. This is recommended only if they are within reach. Once this becomes a tall, mature plant, allow nature to take its course the seeds will drop, the plant will bloom, and the natural grace of the plant has been retained.
Practice corrective pruning to remove defective or dead branches. This should be done at the time the problem is detected. Otherwise, prune to remove lateral branches, small twigs or branches in the center to create more open space for sun and air movement while the plant is dormant (winter or early spring.
For this young a tree I would only lightly prune it this next year so it can form a tree like shape. Except do cut off all suckers from the base of the tree. I do not recommend topping a crept myrtle. You will get more blooms if you lightly prune the branches that are touching each other only.
