Well, if you got yourself one of them crepe myrtle trees and you’re thinkin’ about movin’ it from one spot to another, there’s a right time to do it. Now, don’t go rushin’ into it. Best time to move them trees is when they’re sleepin’, that is, when they’re all dormant-like. You see, crepe myrtles take a break in the winter, after they’ve dropped their leaves and before they start sproutin’ new ones come springtime. That’s when they’re least likely to get upset when you dig ‘em up and move ‘em around.
Now, if you’re wonderin’ exactly when this dormant time happens, well, it’s usually late winter. That’s the golden time to get your crepe myrtle out of one place and into another. Right before them first signs of spring start pokin’ through. You don’t want to wait too long, though. If you do it in the dead of winter, just be sure the ground ain’t frozen solid, or you won’t be diggin’ up nothin’.
Some folks, they wait until early spring to move their crepe myrtle. That’s alright too, as long as it’s before them new buds start poppin’ out. You wanna do it early enough so the tree’s got time to settle into its new home before the weather starts gettin’ too hot and dry in summer.
If you’re the type who likes things in full bloom, and you go out and buy a crepe myrtle when it’s all colorful and in bloom, well, you might think about plantin’ it right then and there, even though it’s summertime. That can work too, but you’ll need to be real careful with the waterin’. During them hot summer months, the tree will be needin’ a lot more water to help it get settled into its new spot.
Now, I ain’t sayin’ you can’t plant or move your crepe myrtle during the summer, but it’s a lot harder on the tree. It’s hotter, and the tree’s already busy tryin’ to keep itself lookin’ pretty. You might see it drop a few flowers if you mess with it too much while it’s bloommin’. So, just be gentle with it if you gotta move it during the warm months, and make sure it gets plenty of water and shade.
One thing I should mention—don’t go trimmin’ your crepe myrtle too much during the summertime or fall. It’s better to leave it be so it can focus on growin’ and bloommin’ instead of tryin’ to heal up from all your snippin’ and trimmin’. You’ll have a lot more flowers to enjoy next year if you give it a break. Now, if you’re transplantin’ the tree in winter or early spring, well, a little trimming won’t hurt none, but be gentle with it.
If you made the mistake of plantin’ your crepe myrtle in the wrong spot and now you regret it, don’t worry too much. Just go ahead and transplant it, but remember, do it while it’s dormant. The tree’s roots are still restin’, and it’s less likely to go into shock. Moving it while it’s sleepin’ will give it the best chance to grow strong and healthy in its new home.
Remember, no matter when you decide to transplant your crepe myrtle, always make sure you got the right tools. A good shovel, some water, and a little patience go a long way. It’s not about rushin’ through the job—it’s about making sure that tree is comfortable and ready to take root again. If you follow these tips and pay attention to the right time of year, you’ll have yourself a beautiful crepe myrtle for years to come.
Tags:[Crepe Myrtle, Transplant Crepe Myrtle, Best Time to Transplant, Dormant Season, Crepe Myrtle Care, Planting Crepe Myrtle, Gardening Tips]