Stop Crape Murder!

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

Beware of the Monoculture Hedge

Many of us like the look and/or privacy a hedge can provide. In planning your hedge it is important to choose a variety of plants to accomplish the job.

Using one variety of shrub to make a wall or screen is a monoculture hedge.

A monoculture hedge does have a few problems. What if an insect or disease strikes your hedge? All of your shrubs could be lost or you could end up with random large dead holes.

A better alternative is to plant a hedge using a variety of large and small shrubs and trees. Generally, something that requires screening will need it the year round, so evergreens naturally predominate in any list of screening plants. But don’t be afraid to add a deciduous plant. A few deciduous plants can provide wonderful color.

When choosing plants for screening, check the available space carefully and know the mature height and width of the plant. Be sure that the plants you choose will fit in the allotted space without an undue amount of maintenance. If you have to frequently prune your plants to keep them in check, it’s more than likely you used the wrong plant for that location. Also, when mixing several different types of plants, be sure to choose ones with similar growth and water requirements.
The choice of plants for a screen is practically unlimited. Flowering shrubs can be used effectively. For something a little unusual, add a fruiting plant to your hedge. For a change in texture, consider adding ornamental grasses. Don’t forget our native plants. A Florida Friendly Landscape attracts wildlife - this is a great opportunity to supply food and shelter.

For help with plant selection visit the Plant Database at http://www.floridayards.org/ or consult the UF Florida Friendly Plant List at fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/materials/list.pdf. If you would like more information about the Florida-Friendly Landscape recognition program please visit manatee.ifas.ufl.edu and browse the FYN Program or call Michelle Atkinson at 941-722-4524