Crape Myrtle Tree

Expert Crape Myrtle Pruning and Shaping in Roseville

Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia) are the stars of the Roseville summer landscape, known for their stunning blooms and unique peeling bark. However, these trees are often the victims of improper pruning—commonly known as "Crape Murder"—which can ruin their natural form and weaken their health. At Economy Tree Service Inc, we specialize in the art of professional Crape Myrtle shaping to ensure your trees remain healthy, structural, and vibrant year after year.

Our Crape Myrtle Care Services

Structural Pruning and Natural Shaping Rather than simply lopping off the tops of your trees, our experts use a selective pruning approach. We remove "suckers" from the base, clear out crossing branches, and thin the interior of the canopy. This "pencil-pruning" technique encourages the growth of strong, graceful trunks and larger, more abundant flower clusters in the summer.

Corrective Pruning (Fixing "Crape Murder") If your trees have been improperly "topped" in the past, they likely have unsightly "knuckles" and weak, spindly new growth. Economy Tree Service Inc can perform corrective pruning over several seasons to restore the tree’s natural silhouette and structural integrity, helping it regain its original beauty.

Disease and Pest Protection In the Roseville and Placer County area, Crape Myrtles are often targeted by Powdery Mildew and Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. Our team provides health assessments to identify these issues early. Proper thinning of the canopy increases airflow, which is the most effective natural way to prevent fungal growth and keep your trees thriving.

Bark and Trunk Maintenance One of the most attractive features of a mature Crape Myrtle is its smooth, multicolored bark. We prune to highlight the beautiful trunk structure and exfoliating bark, turning your trees into a year-round focal point for your landscape—not just during the blooming season.

Why Trust Economy Tree Service Inc with Your Ornamentals?

Artistic Precision: We treat Crape Myrtles as ornamental features, focusing on aesthetics as much as health.

Avoidance of "Topping": We never practice "Crape Murder." We follow industry best practices to ensure your trees aren't stressed or permanently disfigured.

40+ Years of Local Mastery: We know exactly when to prune in the Roseville climate to maximize the summer bloom cycle.

Tidy Job Sites: Because Crape Myrtles are often near walkways and entries, we ensure every twig and leaf is cleared away before we leave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crape Myrtle Care

What is "Crape Murder" and why should I avoid it?
"Crape Murder" is a term used by arborists to describe the practice of "topping" or "heading" a Crape Myrtle—cutting all the branches back to the same height every year. This creates ugly "knuckles," weakens the tree's structure, and results in flimsy, drooping branches that can’t support the weight of the flowers. At Economy Tree Service Inc, we use natural thinning and structural pruning to keep your trees strong and beautiful.

When is the best time to prune my Crape Myrtles?
The ideal time to prune is in late winter (January or February) before the new growth begins. Since Crape Myrtles bloom on "new wood" (the growth that happens in the current year), winter pruning ensures you aren't cutting off the buds that will become summer flowers.

Why aren't my Crape Myrtles blooming?
If your tree isn't blooming, it may be due to improper pruning, too much shade, or an over-application of high-nitrogen fertilizer which encourages leaves but discourages flowers. Our team can assess your tree's location and health to determine the best way to stimulate a vibrant bloom cycle.

What are the white spots on my Crape Myrtle leaves?
In the Roseville and Placer County area, white, powdery spots are usually Powdery Mildew, a fungal disease common in humid or overcrowded conditions. We can help by thinning the canopy to increase airflow and, if necessary, recommending safe treatments to clear up the infection.

How do I get rid of "sticky" leaves and black soot?
Sticky leaves are typically caused by aphids or Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. These pests secrete "honeydew," which then grows a black fungus called sooty mold. We offer professional cleaning and pest management solutions to protect your tree and your patio furniture from this messy byproduct.

Can you fix a Crape Myrtle that has been "topped" in the past?
Yes! While it takes time, we can perform restorative pruning. We select the strongest new shoots to become the new main branches and gradually prune away the "knuckled" wood over a few seasons to help the tree regain its natural, graceful shape.

Contact Paul Today

Give Paul a call or send him a message using the form below.

916 783-8780