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Crepe Murder
continued  PAGE 3 OF 3
REFORM SCHOOL
Fixing Pruning Mistakes
Crepe stubs improperly cut
1. A stub left by an improper cut last year allowed two shoots to grow in place of the one that was removed.

Removing the stub of crepe myrtle branch
3. Then remove the stub.
Restoring proper form for a crepe myrtle branch
2. To restore the proper form, remove one of the two shoots.


Correct cut of a crepe myrtle branch
4. The result should be a cut that will heal into a single branch.

Although this may seem drastic, you can have a new tree in only two or three years because the established root system will support rapid growth. When new shoots appear, select the ones that are strong and well placed. Remove all others. You may have to remove suckers several times during the growing season, and you may have to support the long, limber shoots with stakes during the first year. But be patient and train your tree into a natural form. It will be a beauty once again.

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