How to Rescue a Crepe Myrtle After Damage to Branches From Snow
- 1). Wait until the late winter to prune off the damaged areas of the crepe myrtle unless the damaged branches pose a threat to homes or property.
- 2). Look at the horizontal branches of the crepe myrtle for any that are completely broken off and lying on the ground. Identify the location where they broke off, which is evident by a jagged limb on the tree.
- 3). Place a stepladder next to the trunk, if needed, so that you can easily access the broken branch.
- 4). Look at the location where the damaged branch attached to the vertical trunk and locate the collar, which is a raised ring near the base of the branch.
- 5). Place a pruning saw on top of the damaged branch 1/4 inch away from the collar and saw through the branch to cut it off. The resulting cut edge should be smooth and not ragged.
- 6). Look at the remaining limbs on the crepe myrtle to identify any that are cracked or broken but remain attached to the tree. Remove the branches in the same manner since the nutrient flow has been severed and they will not survive.
