When Should Crepe Myrtles Be Pruned in Louisiana?

Crepe myrtles are one of the most popular ornamental trees across Northwest Louisiana, prized for their vibrant summer blooms, attractive bark, and low-maintenance appeal. However, knowing when and how to prune crepe myrtles is essential to keeping them healthy, structurally sound, and blooming beautifully year after year.

If you’ve ever wondered when should crepe myrtles be pruned in Louisiana, the answer depends on timing, technique, and understanding our local climate.

The Best Time to Prune Crepe Myrtles

In Louisiana, late winter—typically January through February—is the ideal time to prune crepe myrtles. During this period, trees are dormant, meaning pruning won’t interfere with active growth or flowering cycles.

Winter pruning offers several benefits:

• Encourages healthy spring growth
• Improves airflow and sunlight penetration
• Supports fuller, more vibrant blooms in summer
• Reduces the risk of disease and pest issues

Pruning too late in spring or during summer can stress the tree and reduce flowering, while fall pruning may leave trees vulnerable to cold damage.

Avoiding “Crepe Murder”

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is over-pruning—a practice often referred to as “crepe murder.” Topping crepe myrtles with harsh, uniform cuts can weaken the tree, cause excessive sprouting, and lead to poor flowering.

Instead, proper pruning focuses on selective, strategic cuts that preserve the tree’s natural shape.

Proper Crepe Myrtle Pruning Techniques

• Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches
• Thin out crossing or rubbing limbs
• Eliminate weak interior growth to improve air circulation
• Avoid cutting main trunks or heavily reducing height

When done correctly, pruning should be subtle—many healthy crepe myrtles need very little trimming at all.

The Role of Ongoing Maintenance

Pruning is just one part of maintaining healthy crepe myrtles. Regular landscape maintenance ensures your trees continue to thrive throughout the year.

Applying mulch around the base of the tree helps:

• Retain soil moisture
• Suppress weeds
• Protect roots from temperature extremes

Routine care such as seasonal inspections, fertilization, and irrigation management can significantly extend the life and beauty of your landscape.

Professional services like property maintenance can help ensure your entire yard—not just your trees—stays in top condition year-round. Learn more here!

Why Hire a Professional for Crepe Myrtle Pruning?

While light pruning may seem simple, improper cuts can lead to long-term damage, disease, or poor growth. A professional crew understands how to evaluate tree structure, identify problem branches, and prune with purpose.

Lawnmasters offers expert tree pruning and removal services tailored to Louisiana landscapes, ensuring your crepe myrtles are pruned correctly and safely.

Our team uses best practices that promote healthy growth—without compromising the natural beauty of your trees.

Supporting Services That Keep Your Landscape Thriving

Healthy trees don’t exist in isolation. Lawnmasters provides full-service lawn and landscape care to support long-term plant health, including:

• Lawn mowing and trimming for clean, professional curb appeal
• Landscape design and shrub care to complement ornamental trees like crepe myrtles
• Irrigation and water management to prevent drought stress or overwatering

These services work together to ensure your entire property looks its best—season after season.

Schedule Crepe Myrtle Pruning with Lawnmasters

If you want hassle-free crepe myrtle care, Lawnmasters makes it easy. Many clients are automatically scheduled for winter pruning, but if you’re not currently on the list, now is the perfect time to book.

Our experienced team proudly serves Shreveport and surrounding communities with reliable, professional tree and lawn care.

Call 318-686-4103 or request service online today!

Your crepe myrtles—and your entire landscape—will thank you this spring.