Now is the Time to Shape and Strengthen Crape Myrtle & Fruit Trees

Crape myrtles and fruit trees can have a happy home in Georgia with our toasty summers and softer winters. While low-maintenance crape myrtles bring the color, fruit trees – think peaches, apples, pears, and more – can deliver popping produce. But they both require proper care.

When Should I Prune Crape Myrtle and Fruit Trees?

What’s the best time to prune trees in Georgia? When it comes to pruning crape myrtle and fruit trees, the Peach State has a winter window. Premier Tree Solutions suggests late January through February as prime time for pruning.

Since leaves have fallen, professionals get the best possible vantage point of a tree’s skeleton, and a better idea on how to approach pruning. And pruning during a tree’s dormancy period reduces the risk of sap loss and stress before spring arrives and the growth flush begins.

How do you shape and strengthen crape myrtle and fruit trees with pruning? Premier Tree Solutions suggests the following:

Crape Myrtle Trimming in Georgia

Have you ever noticed crape myrtle trees that have been reduced to unsightly stubs? That’s likely due to topping, an often harmful and indiscriminate pruning method caused by cutting the top of a tree’s main branches or trunk back to stubs. This harms the tree’s natural shape, creates knuckles, weakens branches, and amps up the risk of disease. Aggressive pruning, based on the myth that crape myrtles need pruning to flower, is sometimes known as “crape murder.”

According to the University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, the most aesthetically pleasing crape myrtle trees typically result from limited or no pruning. However, proper pruning can give way to stems that are strong enough to carry the weight of summer blooms. The following are recommended steps to proper crape myrtle pruning:

• Remove suckers from the base of the plant.
• As the tree grows, remove lower branches from the bottom third of the tree, which exposes the trunk.
• Finally, check the canopy for any crossing or crowded branches and remove them.

Fruit Trees: Shaping for a Bountiful Harvest

Georgia’s favorite fruit trees need to get in shape, literally. Pruning and training help make it a reality by improving airflow, which combats Peach State humidity. Techniques differ depending on the variety. In general, apple, pecan, and pear trees benefit from central leader or Christmas tree-style pruning, while peach, nectarine, and plum trees are best served with an open center or cereal bowl pruning approach. Other varieties call for different cuts. However, no matter which variety grows on your grounds, the first step is always removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood.

The Gwinnett County Extension Service offers the following fruit tree pruning guide compiled from various University of Georgia publications.

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

Considering crape myrtle or fruit tree pruning services? Premier Tree Solutions have the professional equipment and expert knowledge to help shape and strengthen your crape myrtle and fruit trees, allowing them to thrive come spring and summer. Call 404-252-6448 or schedule a complimentary assessment online.