We'll be building a new home on a lot that has these very old and very overgrown crepe myrtles. I'd love to preserve then and thin them out in a way that encourages new and tall growth (rather than wide) for the future.

Many of the larger trunks have fused together and/or are hollowed out by carpenter ants or similar critter. Would you recommend cutting out the larger trunks, the smaller trunks, or something different altogether?

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Looks like you are out in a field type area. One thing I have learned is that CRs may not be the best in those areas. If you get a lot of wind, it will usually knock all the flowers off the trees quickly and limit the real benefit of CRs. Just a thought.

My opinion, if some are rotted out, I would tear them out and replant new ones. Get a newer variety that will probably be a better bloomer. They grow quickly with water, you can pick the type/color you like (one trunk or multi-trunk types), and you can plant the new ones where you want for a better landscape.

Just my thoughts. Those old ones don't look that tall either.

TMfrisco said:

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This might be a justifiable case for "Crepe Murder".

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Bravo sir.

HDeathstar said:

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Looks like you are out in a field type area. One thing I have learned is that CRs may not be the best in those areas. If you get a lot of wind, it will usually knock all the flowers off the trees quickly and limit the real benefit of CRs. Just a thought.

My opinion, if some are rotted out, I would tear them out and replant new ones. Get a newer variety that will probably be a better bloomer. They grow quickly with water, you can pick the type/color you like (one trunk or multi-trunk types), and you can plant the new ones where you want for a better landscape.

Just my thoughts. Those old ones don't look that tall either.

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They definitely did have some branches snap with the recent tropical storm winds.

Col. Steve Austin said:

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Thin out the small sucker type branches, dead wood, etc. Don't get in a hurry to make massive cuts/ pruning. Don't worry about topping vs just thinning and shaping to highlight the main trunks and branches. Just my $.02

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This. No need to create murder.