It is that time of year when the crape myrtles are starting to loose their leaves and go dormant for the winter. Resist the urge to over prune these poor trees.Unfortunately, many homeowners and landscape professionals prune crape myrtle trees too severely. Topping--commonly called "crape murder"--can be very damaging and disfiguring to the tree. This practice results in a "witch's broom" appearance and a tree that is no longer in proportion.
Crape myrtle may need little or no pruning if planted in full sun away from walkways and roads and in areas with room for plant growth. In these locations, trees form a round canopy that often extends to the ground. Reasons for pruning crapemyrtle (or any plant) are to improve plant structure and alter plant size, shape, and appearance according to human perceptions and landscape function. Well pruned crape myrtle provide an interesting, sculptural feature in your landscape during it's dormant season and beautiful color in the growing season.
For more information on pruning crape myrtles or other trees visit:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep399
http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu/hot_topics/lawn_and_garden/crape_murder.html
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep399
http://hort.ufl.edu/woody/pruning.shtml
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg087
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