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How to Prune Wild crapemyrtle?
(Malpighia glabra)
Wild crapemyrtle, also known as Long key locustberry, Maricao cimarron
A renowned fruit-bearing shrub, wild crapemyrtle thrives in warm climates. Pruning focuses on maintaining shape, encouraging fruit production, and removing dead or diseased wood. Optimal pruning occurs in early spring to stimulate new growth. It is crucial to prune judiciously, as excessive cutting can reduce fruit yield. Pruning benefits wild crapemyrtle by enhancing air circulation, which mitigates disease risk, and by supporting robust plant structure for fruit-bearing branches.
pruning

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Wild Crapemyrtle?

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Wild Crapemyrtle?

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Wild Crapemyrtle?

Hand Pruners
Ideal for making clean cuts on wild crapemyrtle's smaller stems and branches, hand pruners should be sharp to avoid crushing plant tissue.
Loppers
Wild crapemyrtle may develop thicker branches that require loppers, which offer greater leverage and reach for branches up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Pruning Saw
For the largest branches of wild crapemyrtle, a pruning saw is necessary to handle branches over 1.5 inches thick without damaging the surrounding stems.
Gloves
To protect the hands during pruning wild crapemyrtle, use gloves, as some parts of the plant can be spiky or cause skin irritation.
Pruning Sealer
After pruning larger branches of wild crapemyrtle, a pruning sealer can be used to protect the cuts from pests and diseases.

How to Prune Wild Crapemyrtle

Clean Tools
Before starting, ensure all pruning tools are clean and sharp to prevent the spread of disease and make clean cuts on wild crapemyrtle.
Inspect
Inspect wild crapemyrtle for dead or diseased branches. Look for branches that are discolored, have abnormal growths, or do not have healthy leaves.
Prune Dead
Using appropriate pruning shears, carefully remove dead branches from wild crapemyrtle by cutting at a 45-degree angle, approximately 1/4 inch above a bud that is facing towards the outside of the plant.
Prune Diseased
Prune any diseased branches from wild crapemyrtle in the same manner as dead branches. Make sure to cut well below the diseased sections to prevent further infection.
Disinfect
After each cut, especially when moving between healthy and diseased wood, disinfect pruning tools with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water to prevent spreading pathogens to wild crapemyrtle.
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Common Pruning Mistakes with Wild Crapemyrtle

Over-Pruning
Removing too much foliage from wild crapemyrtle, which can stress the plant and lead to reduced vigor and fruit production.
Under-Pruning
Neglecting to remove enough dead or diseased wood, which can result in a messy plant structure and potentially harm the plant's health.
Improper Cut Placement
Making cuts too far from a bud or branch junction can leave stubs that are susceptible to pests and disease.
Topping
Cutting wild crapemyrtle back too severely, a practice known as topping, can damage the plant's structure and lead to weak new growth.
Pruning During Active Disease Or Pest Infestation
Performing extensive pruning when wild crapemyrtle is suffering from diseases or pests can exacerbate the issues.
Using Dull Tools
Using dull pruning shears can cause rough cuts that heal poorly and open the door for disease.

Common Pruning Tips for Wild Crapemyrtle

Use Sharp Tools
Utilize clean, sharp pruning shears or loppers to make clean cuts that heal quickly, reducing the risk of disease.
Selective Thinning
Focus on thinning out crowded branches to increase light penetration and air circulation, improving overall health and reducing disease risk.
Prune For Shape
Maintain the natural form of wild crapemyrtle by selectively pruning to enhance its appearance without altering its growth habit.
Remove Dead Material
Regularly remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood to help wild crapemyrtle maintain its vigor and produce quality fruit and flowers.
Follow Natural Branch Angles
Make cuts at a slight angle just above a bud or branch point, respecting the branch collar, to promote proper healing.
Encourage Basal Growth
By occasionally thinning out older stems, you encourage wild crapemyrtle to produce new, vigorous growth from the base.
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