Restoring Topped Crepemyrtle

treeseer

before and after. compromise between shade for patio, visibility to signs, and flowering.

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dannyboysfc

Maybe just the pics, but I dont see the restoration effect.

dguntertrees

Restoration via selective thinning? Looks OK.

Why do people DO that to Crepe Myrtles?

Eric Frei

Re-pollard in winter is another option.

Seldom you come across one that hasn't been topped ... what do they call it, Crepe Murderers

I reckon they get topped coz if they're like the many we have here they grow like tentacles instead of branches so people want to look at a dense bush. However, the odd occasion I have come across real old ones not topped they can be a reasonable looking small tree, rare but can happen, however the most common is the topiary or pollarded, not that they're pollarded correctly, just topped.

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vitex42

I think that looks pretty darned good. Good pruning's when you can't tell where it's been pruned I think

I reckon we all get together at the Hibernian and drink beer and discuss this in depth....

Eric Frei

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treeseer

It's hard to get pics to tell pruning stories, but if you look at the sprouts coming off the old topping cuts in the before picture, you will see a lot less in the after picture.

Yes it's the selective thinning that is the most obvious. Less reduction was needed on these because 1. full height was desired so the diners and drinkers could do it in the shade and 2. full length branches are not so prone to breakage, being light on the ends and crepemyrtle is pretty tough wood.

It is rare that full height is a big part of the owner's goal with crepemyrtle, but the bushiness that came after topping obscured the sign and facade.

TrevMcRev

I think a big reason for whacking them is the idea that they flower on new wood so hard cutting equals more new shoots equals more flowers and flowring is often the most desired feature of the species although personally i prefer the beautiful bark and natural form anyday.

Jeff Darby

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JohN Dee

Looks like good work there Guy.

I think from memory, at my local shopping centre, on the roof they planted a Crepe Myrtle. Still in its natural form for now (of decent size), I'll grab a photo next time I'm over there...

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dguntertrees

Yep, I think thats the reason too. But I agree, a maiden tree looks pretty spectacular (both bark & flowers). They don't like 'em up here 'cos they are deciduous...and why would you want a tree with no leaves