Do crepe myrtles have deep roots?

Crepe myrtle roots do not sink taproots deep into the ground or send lateral roots out to crack anything in their path. In fact, the entire crepe myrtle root system is shallow and fibrous, spreading out horizontally up to three times as far as the canopy is wide.

How close to a house can you plant a crepe myrtle?

As a general rule of thumb, plant crape myrtles of this mature size a minimum of 8 to 10 feet from a building wall, and farther if you can. This spacing gives the plant room to expand to its full size. It will naturally tend to grow away from the wall and toward the light.

Are crape myrtles hard to dig up?

Moving crepe myrtles requires a bit of digging. First, dig out a new planting hole. It has to be large enough to fit all of the tree's current roots, but somewhat wider, to allow those roots to expand. Next, you need to dig out the tree.

Do crepe myrtle trees have invasive roots?

Crepe myrtle roots can spread over a wide area. They may cover two or three times further than the tree's diameter. However, the root system is rather shallow. It is not invasive and, as a result, not prone to causing much damage.

Where should you not plant crepe myrtles?

Southern Living points out that you will not want crepe myrtles near a pool. They will not damage anything, but some varieties produce abundant flowers that then drop off after they wither. These can fall into the water constantly, meaning that you will end up skimming them out every time you turn around.

Can Crape Myrtle Roots Hurt Your Foundation?

What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?

Crape Myrtle Bush Vs.

The difference between the crape myrtle bush and the crape myrtle tree is that the tree is taller than crape myrtle bush. Crape myrtle bushes have multiple stems and their height is between 2 and 15 ft. (0.6 – 4.5 m). Crape myrtle trees can be as much as 20 ft.

How far from a fence should you plant a crepe myrtle?

If you are planting against a fence, plant at least three feet from the fence, not right up against it, or your plants will not be bushy right to the ground. For a more solid screen you can even plant a double row, staggering the plants in each row.

How tall will crepe myrtles grow?

Mature Size. The common crapemyrtle grows to a height of 15–25' and a spread of 6–15' at maturity.

Do crepe myrtles stain concrete?

In my area it is Crepe Myrtle seeds that have fallen and stained the pavers. I have also seen pecans fall and stain a concrete surface. Any tree or shrub that drops either flowers or seeds will 'stain' concrete; ie pavers.

How long do crape myrtles live?

Lifespan of Crepe Myrtle

Crepe myrtles live quite a few years if you take care of them. A crepe myrtle lifespan can exceed 50 years. So that's the answer to the question “how long do crepe myrtle trees live?” They can live a good, long time with suitable care.

How big is a crepe myrtle root ball?

Preparing for the Move

To successfully move the tree, you'll need to move it with a root ball of at least two to three feet in diameter. A big crape myrtle may need an even bigger root ball to support it after transplanting.

How do you dig up a small crepe myrtle?

How do you dig up old crepe myrtles?

Dig up immature crepe myrtles at the base of the tree with a spade or shovel. Remove the entire root system to prevent the tree from returning, because this type of tree can grow back from the roots.

Do you cut back crepe myrtle bushes?

First of all, pruning crapemyrtles is optional; if the plant is in the correct place and can grow to its mature size, let it grow! If you need to prune your crapemyrtle tree or shrub, thinning branches to limb up the crapemyrtle is the correct method. Remove lower limbs that are thinner than a pencil diameter.

What can you plant under a crape myrtle?

What kind of roots does a crepe myrtle have?

Crepe myrtle roots do not sink taproots deep into the ground or send lateral roots out to crack anything in their path. In fact, the entire crepe myrtle root system is shallow and fibrous, spreading out horizontally up to three times as far as the canopy is wide.

Will crepe myrtle grow in clay soil?

Crape myrtle tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay. They prefer a well-drained but moist soil. If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your crape myrtle, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage.

How do you remove crepe myrtles from concrete?

The mildest solution is to wash the stain with water and dishwashing detergent. Wet the area, scrub in the detergent with a hard brush (not metal), let it stand for a few minutes, then rinse. You can use a scrubbing brush or pressurized water from a hose nozzle for rinsing.

How long does it take for a crepe myrtle to mature?

Growth Rate of Common Crape Myrtles

This myrtle, like all myrtles, thrives in full sunlight and moist but well-draining soil. It has a maximum height of between 15 to 30 feet, which means it will take between about five to 10 years to reach maturity.

Which crape myrtle is the best?

Natchez is recognized as the top performing crape myrtle in the southeastern United States. It was introduced by the U. S. National Arboretum in 1987. White flowers and exfoliating bark are characteristic of this cultivar, which reaches heights of 30 feet at maturity.

What is the smallest crape myrtle tree?

Dwarf varieties only grow to a height of 4 feet or less. Semi-Dwarf varieties grow 4 to 8 feet tall. Large or Tree Crapemyrtle reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet. By choosing a suitably-sized variety for your location, you will eliminate the need for heavy pruning.

Does crepe myrtle make a good hedge?

Crepe myrtles have many landscape uses. Planted together, they make a large deciduous hedge or screen. A single tree can create a distinctive focal point, while a pair framing a front door greets visitors with a warm Southern welcome. Be sure to choose the right size for your needs.

When should crape myrtles be planted?

Balled and burlapped plants have stricter requirements when it comes to planting times, as do bare-root crape myrtles. Plant these during the dormant season, sometime between late fall and early spring.

What kind of soil do crepe myrtles like?

The best soil for crape myrtle is in an acidic to slightly acidic soil ranging from 5.0 to 6.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

How many trunks should a crape myrtle have?

For most crape myrtles, choose three, five, or—at most—seven main trunks. An odd number of trunks is more pleasing to the eye than an even number, which often looks like soldiers in formation. Keep trunks that have ample space to grow and are growing straight and strong.