Yesterday we had a branch broken off one of our crepe myrtles by a strong wind. Also, the wind blew all the bark (the stuff that peels and comes loose) right off the trees! What do I need to do to the area where the branch broke off (it's pretty big, about a foot long) to keep the tree from getting infested with bugs or fungus or other nasty stuff? Also, is there anything I can do to lessen this trauma for the tree? And will the bark just grow back, or should I be concerned about that, too? I love my crepe myrtles, they're the only real good spot of color in our yard, and I'd hate to lose one. Any help is appreciated!

Lisa

 

Hi Bunkie,

I don't know all the answers, but where your branch broke off, cut it off so it has a clean cut and not jagged edges.

You can't do anything about the missing bark on the base. It should grow over and heal itself.

I don't have any crepe myrtles, so I'm not that knowledgeable about them. Do they need pruning to keep them to a certain size? Maybe somebody knows! This site has a little info on pruning, fertilizing, etc.

http://www.brazosbeautiful.org/novak.htm

Good luck!

Gami

 

Try http://www.crapemyrtles,com
they have an e-mail address so they may be able to help. There located in Gainesville FL. My Crapemyrtles are the best they have ever been, I have been following this companys suggestions!
Good luck!

 

Hi Dick,

Thanks for the link, but it didn't work. This may help. There is a LOT of good info in there -

http://www.crapemyrtles.com/

Gami

 

Simply remove the damaged limb. Make the undercut and then saw through as recommended by the professional tree pruners. You can get free info from your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent re: pruning and maintenance of your crepe myrtles as well as all your gardening questions.

 

Thanks, y'all, for the replies! The limb is off, so that's taken care of. The tree seems to be doing fine - it's blooming like crazy. And the websites y'all gave will be a big help to me when it's time to prune our trees - the one that the limb broke off of is huge, and I really hadn't noticed it before. Thanks for the help!

Lisa