Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/54292
matter of details Total Crape Myrtle Care Y BY BILLY R. SIMS, ILLUSTRATION BY DON MANNES ou may have seen the protest signs: "Stop Crape Myrtle Murder!" It seems for every vibrantly blooming and well maintained example of Lagerstroemia indica adorning properties from Texas to Savannah, there is one with its limbs hacked off by the uniformed. Enter, Save the Crape Myrtles Organization (savethecrapemyrtles.org) whose mission is to prevent the odious practice of over pruning these graceful trees. Its founder, Rob- ert Donohue, provides these general care pointers: PEST MANAGEMENT Spray sulfur and lime- based foliar treatment "Criminal" Pruning PRUNING Prune at the end of winter to begin- ning of spring, February to March (cooler zones, March to April). Remove all dead limbs, small crisscrossing and obstruc- tive limbs and suckers around the base of the tree. Also, remove limbs to balance out the canopy. in areas where powdery mildew is a threat. Use insecticidal soap for aphids and a spray hose nozzle at high water pressure to dis- lodge other insects. Aphids IRRIGATION MULCH With initial planting, create mulch ring in a bagel shape to act as a bowl to help direct water to the roots. FERTILIZATION Test soil and use a good local organic combination of granular organic plant foods for trees and shrubs, compost liquid seaweed/fi sh emulsion/molasses. Use foliar spray and soil drench. A properly shaped mulch ring works well with bubbler spray heads, drip irrigation, subsurface aeration with drip systems and hose end watering. INSTALLATION Choose a location that allows many years of growth. "Let it show off its natural form," Donohue says. Dig a rough hole to prevent root girdling. Backfi ll with native soil and drench with water. Install root fl are slightly above existing grade. 52 56 TOTAL LANDSCAPE CARE / February 2012 January 2012