Crepe Murder
Have you ever heard of "crepe murder"? It's a term used by gardeners to describe the act of severely pruning or cutting back crepe myrtle trees, often resulting in a disfigured and unhealthy tree. Unfortunately, this practice is still common despite being widely criticized by experts.
The Pain Points of Crepe Murder
One of the biggest pain points of crepe murder is that it harms the tree and can make it more susceptible to disease, insects, and other pests. Additionally, it can result in a less attractive and less healthy tree in the long run, defeating the purpose of planting it in the first place.
The Target of Crepe Murder
The target of crepe murder is usually crepe myrtle trees, which are popular ornamental trees due to their showy flowers and ease of growth. However, many people mistakenly believe that cutting back the tree drastically every year will result in more blooms, when in reality it simply stunts the growth and creates an unsightly tree.
Summary of Main Points
To sum up, crepe murder is a harmful practice that can result in an unhealthy and unattractive tree. Crepe myrtle trees are often its target and cutting back the tree severely every year does not result in more blooms.
Why Crepe Murder is Detrimental
As mentioned earlier, crepe murder can actually harm the tree in a number of ways. When the tree is cut back too severely, it can cause stress and make the tree more susceptible to pests and disease, such as powdery mildew.
I remember one time when my neighbor decided to cut back their crepe myrtle tree to a fraction of its size, thinking it would encourage more blooms. Instead, the tree quickly became unhealthy and started to develop black spots on the leaves. It was not nearly as beautiful as it was before, and it was clear that the practice of crepe murder had caused more harm than good.
The Right Way to Prune Crepe Myrtle Trees
The good news is that there is a right way to prune crepe myrtle trees! It involves only removing small branches and making cuts at the branch collar, rather than cutting back the entire tree. This encourages healthy growth and helps the tree maintain its natural shape.
It's important to note that crepe myrtle trees do not need to be pruned every year, but if pruning is necessary, it should be done in late winter before new growth starts to emerge.
As you can see in the image above, there is a clear difference between a tree that has been pruned correctly and a tree that has been a victim of crepe murder.
The Benefits of Not Committing Crepe Murder
By not committing crepe murder, you allow the tree to grow naturally and healthily. This can result in a more attractive tree with a longer lifespan. Additionally, healthy trees can contribute to a cleaner environment by providing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and improving air quality.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I prune my crepe myrtle tree myself?
A: Yes, you can prune your crepe myrtle tree yourself, but be sure to educate yourself on the proper techniques to avoid crepe murder. If you're unsure, it's best to hire a professional arborist.
Q: When should I prune my crepe myrtle tree?
A: Pruning should be done in late winter before new growth starts to emerge.
Q: Will my crepe myrtle tree die if I commit crepe murder?
A: Your crepe myrtle tree may not die from one instance of crepe murder, but it can become more susceptible to disease and pests, as well as grow in an unattractive manner. Continued crepe murder can eventually lead to the death of the tree.
Q: What tools do I need to prune my crepe myrtle tree?
A: You will need pruning shears, loppers, and a pruning saw. It's important to use sharp tools to avoid damaging the tree.
Conclusion of Crepe Murder
Crepe murder is a harmful practice that can result in an unhealthy and unattractive tree. By educating yourself on the proper pruning techniques, you can help your crepe myrtle tree grow naturally and healthily, resulting in a more attractive tree with a longer lifespan. Remember, a little pruning can go a long way!
Gallery
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