Quick answer
Prune crape myrtles lightly in late winter. Remove suckers, crossing branches, and inward growth. Avoid chopping the trunks back to stubs, a practice often called 'crape murder.'
What to Remove
- Suckers from the base
- Branches that cross or rub
- Twiggy growth inside the canopy
- Old seed heads if you like a cleaner look
Why Not Top Them
Heavy topping causes knobby trunks and weak, whip-like shoots that can break under flowers or ice.
Right Plant, Right Place
If a crape myrtle constantly outgrows its spot, a dwarf variety may be a better long-term fit.