Jeff wrote:

I've just planed three (~5-6 ft) nachez crepe myrtles...they need to
be pruned back as they are very long and need to be shaped (too
bushy)...when should i do this? now? winter?

any good resources on pruning crepe myrtles?

Jeff,

'Natchez' is a large and fast-growing crape myrtle. In the
South, it grows to about 20-25 feet wide and high. Probably
you are aware of that already, and have picked it to fit your
site. However, if not, and that is too big, you might
consider removing yours & picking a smaller cultivar. It is
possible to prune almost anything to a smaller size, but it
takes constant work and it weakens the plant, which will never
look its best.

I would suggest not "shaping" a crape, if by that you mean
taking bit off everything. They wind up looking worse for it.
I suggest waiting a couple of years for it to get established,
then shape by cutting out entire branches if necessary to get
a pleasing vase shape. In particular, crossing or rubbing
branches should be removed. Also, remove unwanted shoots
(suckers) from the base. I prune them in late winter. It's
easier to judge the form when the leaves are off the tree.

An nice guide to pruning and training generally is "Pruning
and Training" put out by The American Horticultural Society.
Authors are C. Brickell and D. Joyce. (c) 1996.

The above says "In cooler areas ... especially northern areas
with short growing seasons, thin to allow light and air into
the center of the tree to discourage disease." I would take
that to be zone 6 and north.

I hope that helps.


Mike Prager
Beaufort, NC (on the coast in zone 8a)
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