Should you let Crepe Myrtle Trees Grow Tall, or Top Them? Well we are a tree company not a shrub company, so we are a little bit biased. Still I will try and give you a neutral point of view.
The Natural Growth of Crepe Myrtles
When left uncut, crepe myrtles tend to develop:
• A graceful, vase-shaped canopy
• Smooth, attractive bark
• Long arching branches
• Large clusters of summer flowers
Many arborists believe this natural form is the most beautiful look for the tree.
What Is “Crepe Murder”?
You may have heard the term “crepe murder.”
This refers to the common practice of severely topping crepe myrtles every winter, cutting the tree down to large stubs.
People often do this because they believe it:
• Makes the tree bloom more
• Keeps the tree smaller
• Makes pruning easier
While topping does cause large flower clusters, it also creates several problems.
Problems With Topping Crepe Myrtles
When crepe myrtles are topped every year, they often develop:
Weak branch structure: New shoots grow rapidly from the cuts but are poorly attached and more likely to break in storms.
Ugly knuckles and swelling: Repeated topping creates large bulb-like knots at the cut points.
Excessive vertical shoots: Instead of a graceful tree, you get many tall, thin shoots growing straight up.
More maintenance over time: Ironically, topping usually makes the tree grow faster and require more pruning every year.
When Pruning Crepe Myrtles Does Make Sense
Not all pruning is bad.
In fact, proper pruning can improve the tree’s structure and health.
A good crepe myrtle pruning typically includes:
• Removing dead or crossing branches
• Thinning crowded growth
• Removing small interior shoots (“suckers”)
• Lifting the canopy slightly for clearance
This type of pruning keeps the tree looking natural while maintaining strong structure.
All that being said, there is an early 90’s movie with country singer George Strait called Pure Country. In that movie there is scene with Grandma Ivy. Always drove me nuts when she said “cut the top off the tree so the roots can grow”. No true arborist would give this advice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vEYUQeZp78
MTM Tree Services LLC is an owner / operator led tree service crew in Charlotte NC. Text or call 704-965-3589 for a free quote. Licensed & insured. Certified arborist on staff.
