Trees are excellent additions to your landscape design. Not only do they add shade, color, and texture, but they can also improve your home's curb appeal and value. Of course, proper care will be necessary to ensure your trees are good investments. The crepe myrtle is one tree that many homeowners find appealing due to its unique shape and elegant floral blooms. Unfortunately, certain issues can prevent your crepe myrtle from blooming properly. Here are a few common reasons your crepe myrtle is not blooming in the late spring and early summer seasons.

Improper Trimming

Pruning is one of the most important tasks you need to complete if you a want healthy, attractive crepe myrtle. This is also one of the most difficult tasks for homeowners because most people do not know when or how to prune this unique tree.

Experts do tend to disagree on when the best time for pruning the crepe myrtle. To most, the early part of the spring season is best, since crepe myrtles bloom on newer growth. Other experts believe the end part of winter is ideal, but make sure you prune after the last frost of the year.

The manner in which you prune is also imperative to avoid crepe murder, which is a common problem with the trees. If you prune at the wrong time and make too many cuts, your tree will not only struggle to bloom, but it will most likely not regrow the branches and foliage you pruned off.

Start at the bottom of your tree, removing low-hanging branches and decaying limbs. Also, work your way up and inside the branches, removing any limbs that are connecting or rubbing on one another. This helps air flow through the tree, reducing any risk of fungal disease. Lastly, make sure to trim off any suckers, which grow off the trunk of the tree.

Proper trimming to remove damaged, diseased, and problematic branches and foliage will ensure your crepe myrtle has healthy and beautiful blooms.

Insufficient Sun

Another reason your crepe myrtle is not blooming is because it is not receiving enough sunlight. These trees will grow and thrive in shady areas, but full sunlight is recommended for numerous, large, and colorful blooms.

Location is key when planting your tree, but moving a crepe myrtle that is already established is not recommended. Inspect the area around your tree to determine if other trees or outdoor structures are blocking the tree's exposure to sunlight. Removing larger trees that are creating too much shade for your crepe myrtle can help.

Your crepe myrtle and grow and thrive with proper understanding and care. This guide and tree professionals, such as those at Treetime Inc, will help your crepe myrtle bloom in the most appealing manner.

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