Fixing a Crapemyrtle with Dead Top: Renewal Pruning in 3 Steps

When a crapemyrtle’s top dies (from cold or drought), it sprouts from the base. Restore tree form:

1. Cut out all dead, leafless trunks at ground level.
2. Select 2–3 strong, vertical shoots from the base as new trunks.
3. Remove all other basal shoots. Prune new trunks to outward-facing buds.

Within a season, you’ll have a well-shaped multi-trunk tree. This works for any crapemyrtle with basal suckering.

Dead top removed, new trunks selected.

Renewed crapemyrtle with 3 strong trunks.