Rejuvenation Pruning for Old Crape Myrtle

A 40+ year old, 25-foot tall Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) hasn't bloomed in three years and has never been pruned. Owner asks about starting a pruning program and safe cutback limits.

Pruning Timing

Prune during dormancy (late November–January) to stimulate new flowering wood. Never prune during active growth.

Technique: Thinning, Not Heading

• Remove up to 25% of branches – select whole branches, not stubs
• Distribute cuts evenly around the canopy
• Eliminate crossing, rubbing, dead, and inward-growing branches
• Open the center for light penetration and air circulation
• Step back frequently to assess balance

Critical Don'ts

• No topping or "crape murder" (severe heading cuts)
• No shearing like a hedge
• No leaving stubs – they don't heal and invite disease

Additional Consideration

Crape myrtles are prone to powdery mildew, which suppresses blooming. If pruning doesn't restore flowers, apply fungicide in spring per label directions.