Annual Tree Plea

Crape Murder
This is my annual plea to stop killing crape myrtles through destructive pruning practices (see first two photos above-the third looks like decent pruning practice). These severe pruning practices harm the tree and can kill it, plus it ruins the lovely, sculptural form of a crape myrtle. For more information and to learn how to do prune correctly, go to this Cooperative Extension flyer at:

http://oak2w.vcu.edu/usermail1/jmthomas.nsf/iNotes/dd0ee8c8be749a82653bc80b09011777/Body/M2.2/Pruning%20Crape%20Myrtles%20VCE%20pub%20430-451.pdf?OpenElement

I am happy to add that my university is now enlightened. They are going to begin proper pruning practices and will replace any trees badly damaged by the old pruning guidelines. Now, if only the local parks people would follow suit!

Happy Gardening! And keep those power tools away from Crape Murderers!