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Question:
We have lived in a home for over ten years that has two magnificent Crepe Myrtles in the front yard. While I can tell you when this home was built, I am not as sure as to when these two trees were planted. They are giant, with a massive base to match. We have been careful, cautious and done only minimal pruning. The last 2-3 years we have seen a gradual change that seems more dramatic now. The trees are producing considerably less leaves and flowers. At first it seemed only to be happening in the very tall parts of the trees, but I sense it is beginning to affect the lower branches as well. Last spring we put organic compost down over all the surrounding grass, but saw no real change. We have resisted cutting these giants (as you call topping) but are at a loss as to what is happening.
Answer:
Dr. Parsons ask me to reply to your e-mail since people, albeit very few, regard me as having some knowledge of trees.
First, let me congratulate you on what seems to be your excellent care of the crepemyrtles in the past. I would continue with the compost and, if possible, extend it to the dripline of the tree and beyond. If you did not fertilize with one of the many fertilizers formulated for crepemyrtles this past fall, I would do it this spring just after the leaves come on.
Do not be overly depressed about the apparent decline of the trees. ALL things come to end eventually. A crepemytle may live for 30-50 years but eventually they too must die. Having said this, you should do everything in your power to delay the inevitable.
Now, let us proceed to the excessive pruning of crepemyrtles during the winter known as topping. It is an anathema. A crime against nature. People who do it should be horse whipped. It provides no positive benefit to the tree. True, young trees survive repeated toppings, but, as they age, trees, like people, tolerate stress less. Pruning to improve structure should be limited to interior branches, and pruning to improve flowering should be limited branches no larger than pinkie fingers. A maximum of 25% of the canopy may be removed annually.
Finally, in regards to watering. If weather conditions warrant, water thoroughly and deeply at the canopy edge and towards the trunk, ensuring that the trunk is not watered, every 2 weeks. The key phrase is "if weather conditions warrant". Hopefully, you did not water your trees more than 2-3 times last year. Excessive watering on a large tree may cause roots to rot. Above all (and this is a tree person talking) remove the turf around trees. It doesn't benefit either one to be next to trees.
Hope this helps. Keep up the good work and remember to be patient with old trees and old people.
Mark A. Peterson, Regional Urban Forester, Texas Forest Service
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