Crape Myrtle Tree Services
Crape Myrtles are a staple of the Sacramento landscape, prized for their vibrant summer blooms and distinctive bark. However, these trees are often subjected to improper pruning techniques that can permanently damage their health and structure. Since 1968, Bud’s Tri-County Tree Services Inc. has provided specialized care to ensure these beautiful trees reach their full potential.
With over 55 years of local experience, we understand the specific needs of the various Crape Myrtle varieties found throughout the Tri-County area. Our goal is to enhance the natural beauty of your trees while promoting long-term vitality through professional, certified techniques.
With over 55 years of local experience, we understand the specific needs of the various Crape Myrtle varieties found throughout the Tri-County area. Our goal is to enhance the natural beauty of your trees while promoting long-term vitality through professional, certified techniques.
Precision Care for Vibrant Blooms
Proper maintenance of a Crape Myrtle requires a delicate touch. We move beyond basic trimming to provide comprehensive care that respects the tree's natural form.
- Structural Thinning: We remove crossing branches and inward-growing stems to improve airflow and light penetration, which are essential for preventing powdery mildew.
- Seed Pod Removal: Lightly thinning spent blooms can often encourage a second flowering cycle, extending the color in your landscape throughout the summer.
- Sucker and Water Sprout Management: We remove the weak, vertical growth at the base of the trunk and along the main limbs to maintain the tree's intended shape and energy.
- Correction of Improper Pruning: If your trees have been previously "topped," our experts can implement a multi-year restoration plan to regrow a natural, healthy canopy.
The Danger of "Crape Murder"
One of the most common mistakes in local landscaping is the practice of "topping" Crape Myrtles—often referred to as "Crape Murder." This involves cutting the main branches back to blunt stubs, which leads to weak growth, increased disease susceptibility, and a distorted appearance.
At Bud’s Tri-County Tree Services Inc., we advocate for naturalistic pruning. Because we have served Sacramento since 1968, we have seen the long-term damage caused by improper techniques. Our crew focuses on thinning the canopy and lifting the "skirt" of the tree to showcase the beautiful, peeling bark and graceful architecture that makes the Crape Myrtle a standout feature of your property.
At Bud’s Tri-County Tree Services Inc., we advocate for naturalistic pruning. Because we have served Sacramento since 1968, we have seen the long-term damage caused by improper techniques. Our crew focuses on thinning the canopy and lifting the "skirt" of the tree to showcase the beautiful, peeling bark and graceful architecture that makes the Crape Myrtle a standout feature of your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to prune Crape Myrtles? The ideal time for pruning is in late winter (February or early March) while the tree is still dormant. This allows us to see the structure of the branches clearly and ensures the tree is ready for vigorous growth in the spring.
How do I get my Crape Myrtle to bloom more? Blooms occur on new wood. By performing professional thinning in the winter, we encourage the growth of new, strong shoots that will produce larger and more frequent flower clusters during the summer months.
My Crape Myrtle has a white powdery substance on the leaves. What is it? This is likely powdery mildew, a common fungal issue in the Sacramento climate. We can treat existing infections and, more importantly, prune the tree to improve circulation, which prevents the moisture buildup that allows the fungus to thrive.
Why is the bark on my tree peeling off? For many mature Crape Myrtle varieties, peeling bark is a natural and highly desirable characteristic. It reveals a smooth, multi-toned trunk underneath. Our pruning services focus on highlighting this aesthetic feature rather than hiding it.
How do I get my Crape Myrtle to bloom more? Blooms occur on new wood. By performing professional thinning in the winter, we encourage the growth of new, strong shoots that will produce larger and more frequent flower clusters during the summer months.
My Crape Myrtle has a white powdery substance on the leaves. What is it? This is likely powdery mildew, a common fungal issue in the Sacramento climate. We can treat existing infections and, more importantly, prune the tree to improve circulation, which prevents the moisture buildup that allows the fungus to thrive.
Why is the bark on my tree peeling off? For many mature Crape Myrtle varieties, peeling bark is a natural and highly desirable characteristic. It reveals a smooth, multi-toned trunk underneath. Our pruning services focus on highlighting this aesthetic feature rather than hiding it.
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