Crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) grow as deciduous shrubs or small trees in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10, depending on the species, where they are prized for their attractive flowers, fall color and bark. Proper pruning encourages and maintains the crape myrtle's desired form, reduces the potential for problems with certain diseases or pests and stimulates abundant blooms. One aspect of pruning a crape myrtle involves selecting the right tools for the task.
Fine-toothed pruning saws are suitable for cutting through branches with a diameter between about 1 3/4 and 2 1/2 inches in diameter. A fine-toothed saw will have about eight points, or teeth, per inch. A pruning saw may feature a curved blade that allows easier pruning in areas of the crape myrtle that have dense, crowded growth. Some saws can be folded for easier transport.
A pruning saw is considered "coarse-toothed" if it has about four and a half teeth per inch. An average saw might have about six teeth per inch. A coarse-toothed pruning saw is best used to cut through branches larger than 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Some saws feature two sets of teeth, one on each side of the saw blade. One side is for making coarse cuts while the teeth on the other side are for making fine cuts. Although this is handy, it can be easy to inadvertently injure branches with when working in areas of dense growth.
Other Pruning Tools
Attempting to remove twigs or small branches with a pruning saw is very inefficient and can cause a good deal of unnecessary injury to the shrub or tree. You're best off using anvil- or bypass-type hand pruners for cutting through crape myrtle branches with a diameter of up to 3/4 inch. Lopping shears, or loppers, have longer handles for greater leverage and reach, and can cut through branches up to 1 3/4 inches in diameter. Pole saws, with a saw and sometimes a pruner blade at the end of a pole, allow you to cut branches that would otherwise be difficult to reach. Wear a hardhat and safety glasses when pruning overhead branches.
Disinfecting Pruning Tools
Some diseases that affect crape myrtles and other landscape plants are potentially spread on unclean pruning tools, so it is important to disinfect saws and any other pruning tools between uses and between plants. If you are making cuts to remove parts of a crape myrtle that may be diseased, disinfect the blades after each cut. Disinfect your tools by soaking the cutting blades in a household disinfectant or other sterilizing solution for at least 5 minutes, and then let the tool air dry or rinse it off with clear water before making the next cut.
- Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Pruning Tool Should Fit the Job
- University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Crape Myrtle -- Lagerstroemia spp.
- New Mexico State University: Amaryllis from Seeds -- Crape Myrtle in New Mexico
- North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Pruning Tools
- University of Florida IFAS Extension, Baker County Extension: Disinfecting Pruning Tools
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: A Guide to Successful Pruning: Pruning Basics and Tools
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