The Majestic Crepe Myrtle Twins

The property owners, the proud owners of these two Natchez Crepe Myrtles (although one is hidden by the other in this photo) have a beautiful property, mainly due to their efforts, with little outside assistance.

I was flattered to come assist them and I hope to do so more in the future.

These two gorgeous Crepe Myrtles had gone beyond the aesthetic potential they could offer, and then I spent some time with them.

They were drooping and for reasons which relate to most of us expecting plants to behave as they would in an open meadow, trees and shrubs adapt to what they are given and it's not always the most healthy or an attractive result. We must provide them the attention and care they need in order to slightly resemble their normal growth habit.

Crepe Myrtles can actually tolerate most any disease, pest, or even human attack, even Crepe Murder.

Almost all species of Crepe Myrtles possess some of the most beautiful bark (or, skin, as I prefer) and to not expose or give recognition to such is not recognizing them for all their beauty. These girls can have some of the most beautiful legs in the tree world.

Yet, this is not all about aesthetics, but rather making the proper pruning cuts, whether it be to affect the current health of the tree (shrub or other plant) or its future growth, foliage density, fruit or flower production, etc.

Following are the after images:

Although a primary intent was to raise the canopy to expose the legs of the tree, most of this work and other pruning of the tree was to provide more airflow and produce stronger branch growth, while eliminating smaller branches which were using resources which would prevent the tree from being robust and healthy.

It is part art, part science, but the art would not exist without the science.

We even spent some time with the young one - the new Natchez just left of the twins in the last two photos. We only raised the canopy slightly and removed some adventitious stems we believed had no future. Hopefully we will be around to see her do her thing in about five years.

We wish to thank the owners for the opportunity to help them with their property.

We have already discussed other issues regarding their property, from water erosion to lawn health.

And, we have plans to work with them addressing other plants and plant beds - the husband is a hands-on guy and great to work with. He continues to tell me the other half is actually in-charge.