[LCN Newscast] Crape "Murder"?

[newscast@lists.lakeclaire.org]

Crape "Murder"?

Think before you prune your crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica). 
Severe pruning of crapemyrtles is a common sight around Atlanta,
including Lake Claire.  Given this widespread practice you may think
it is necessary for a healthy tree.  However, crapemyrtes usually grow
and flower just fine when left alone.

The decision to prune is primarily an _aesthetic_ decision--it is not
necessary for any botanical reasons.

Opinions widely vary on severe pruning of crapemyrtles.  Many call it
"crape murder," and see it as 'topping.'  Topping is generally agreed
upon as being unhealthy for trees, can lead to disease, and for
larger trees hazardous limbs
(http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/topping.asp).  DeKalb Extension
(404-298-4080) advises against severe pruning for crapemyrtles for
tree-health reasons.  Many just think it is plain ugly.

Others consider pruning of these small trees as 'pollarding'
(http://www.isa-arbor.com/publications/arbnews/aug02/feature7.asp) a
very old technique used for aesthetic and agricultural purposes.

If you do decide to prune your crapemyrtle, read the above references
for the best time and tools to use.  If your crapemyrtle is adjacent
to a street or sidewalk, cut at about 7 feet (door height) so that
the new shoots will not block pedestrians.

If you want to plant crapemyrtles, but think they can be too large
for your garden without pruning, ask your nursery about different
varieties, smaller ones are now available.  You can have a healthy,
happy, beautiful tree without the work and risk of severe pruning.


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