Should I Top Out My Crape Myrtles?

Every winter we get the same question: “Should I top out my crape myrtles?” In most cases, the answer is no. The practice commonly called “crape murder” involves cutting large branches back to short stubs year after year. While the tree usually survives, this type of pruning creates weak new growth, large knuckles where cuts are repeatedly made, and a less attractive tree overall.

A properly pruned crape myrtle keeps its natural shape and structure. Instead of removing the tops, a professional selectively removes dead, crossing, rubbing, or crowded branches while preserving the tree’s graceful form. This improves air circulation, encourages healthy growth, and produces stronger branches that are better able to support summer blooms.

Many people believe topping creates more flowers because the new shoots grow quickly. While vigorous growth does occur, those shoots are often weak and more likely to bend or break under the weight of the blooms. A correctly pruned crape myrtle may have slightly fewer flower clusters, but it will be healthier, stronger, and far more attractive for years to come.

If your crape myrtles have already been topped, don’t worry—they can often be restored over time with proper pruning. At Royal Landscaping, we focus on preserving the long-term health and beauty of your trees rather than taking shortcuts that can permanently affect their appearance. If you’re unsure how your crape myrtles should be pruned, we’d be happy to evaluate them and recommend the best approach.