Summer Pruning vs. Winter Pruning: What Your Fruit Trees and Crape Myrtles Need Now

Fruit trees and crape myrtles may seem different on the surface, but they have more in common than you might think. While the former bears juicy, edible goodies, the latter is known for its vibrant, crepe paper-like flowers. Yet, since they have several botanical and structural similarities, fruit trees and crape myrtles share similar approaches to pruning.

Pruning crape myrtles and fruit trees can involve two phases: winter and summer. As Premier Tree Solutions has shared before in a previous blog, dormant winter pruning helps revitalize and shape these trees. Active summer pruning manages overgrowth, and bolsters fruit and bloom quality.

Premier Tree Solutions is here to share both strategies for each tree and the best way to turn over a new leaf.

Fruit Trees: Balancing Growth and Southern Heat

The Winter Strategy: The University of Georgia Extension says in most cases pruning temperate fruit trees such as peach, pear, and apple should take place during the winter dormant period. The later dormant season is best since trees can be more vulnerable to freeze damage after pruning, and pruning stimulates growth. Pruning and training fruit trees improves airflow, which sets the trees up for success in advance of the more humid months. Recommended pruning techniques vary from tree type. You can consult the Gwinnett County Extension Service’s fruit tree pruning guide compiled from various University of Georgia publications.

The Summer Strategy: Mid-summer is a good time for fruit tree maintenance. It controls the tree’s vigor instead of encouraging it. The first step is to remove any diseased, dead, or damaged wood. Next, remove leafy shoots, which actually slows down vegetative growth and opens up the canopy, allowing the tree to focus its energy toward fruit development. According to the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, summer pruning helps keep trees manageable, results in better fruit, and allows for an easier harvest. The University of Georgia reminds us to skip pruning in the late summer or early fall as it can increase the probability of winter injury.

Crape Myrtles: Proper Pruning and Avoiding ‘Crape Murder’

The Winter/Early Spring Strategy: While the most aesthetically pleasing crape myrtle trees typically result from limited or no pruning, the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences says crape myrtle pruning can be important. This is due to the fact that blooms only form on new growth. It’s best to prune crape myrtle trees during the dormant season, from late winter to early spring. Proper pruning can give way to stems that are strong enough to carry the weight of summer blooms. However, keep in mind that crape myrtles don’t require pruning in order to flower. This misconception has spawned aggressive pruning practices known as “crape murder,” which involves topping the tree or cutting off big limbs. When pruning crape myrtle trees, it’s important to follow correct techniques.

The Summer Strategy: When it comes to early-blooming crape myrtle cultivars, you can remove spent flower blossoms after they fade. The University of Georgia says this helps stimulate new growth and another blossom flush in late summer.

Premier Tree Solutions: Your Crape Myrtle and Fruit Tree Pruning Pros

Are you contemplating pruning crape myrtle or fruit trees? Premier Tree Solutions have the professional equipment and expert knowledge to properly prune these trees, be it winter or summer. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.