How to Effectively Kill a Crepe Myrtle: A Comprehensive Guide

Crepe Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) are beautiful trees known for their vibrant blooms and attractive bark. However, there may be times when removing one becomes necessary. Perhaps it’s diseased beyond saving, planted in a poor location, or simply no longer fits your landscaping plans. Killing a crepe myrtle requires a strategic approach, as these trees are surprisingly resilient. This comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed steps and instructions to effectively eliminate a crepe myrtle, minimizing the chances of regrowth.

Understanding Crepe Myrtle Resilience

Before diving into the methods, it’s crucial to understand why crepe myrtles can be challenging to kill. They possess several characteristics that contribute to their tenacity:

* **Vigorous Root System:** Crepe myrtles have extensive root systems that can store significant energy reserves. This allows them to resprout even after the main trunk is cut down.
* **Suckering:** They readily produce suckers, which are new shoots that emerge from the roots. These suckers can quickly develop into new trees if not addressed.
* **Hardiness:** Crepe myrtles are generally hardy trees, capable of withstanding various environmental conditions and stresses.

Therefore, simply cutting down the tree is rarely sufficient. A more comprehensive approach is required to deplete the root system’s energy reserves and prevent regrowth.

Safety Precautions

Before starting any tree removal project, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Consider the following precautions:

* **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):** Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, long sleeves, and long pants. This will protect you from injuries caused by sharp tools, thorns, and potential contact with herbicides.
* **Tool Safety:** Familiarize yourself with the safe operation of all tools you’ll be using, such as chainsaws, pruning saws, and hatchets. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines.
* **Clear the Area:** Remove any obstacles or hazards from the work area, such as rocks, debris, and electrical wires.
* **Consider Professional Help:** If you’re uncomfortable using power tools or dealing with large trees, consider hiring a professional arborist. They have the experience and equipment to safely and efficiently remove the tree.
* **Underground Utilities:** Before digging near the tree’s root system, contact your local utility companies to locate any underground lines (gas, water, electricity). Damaging these lines can be extremely dangerous and costly.

Methods for Killing a Crepe Myrtle

Several methods can be employed to kill a crepe myrtle. The most effective approach often involves a combination of techniques. Here’s a breakdown of the most common and reliable methods:

1. The Cut and Herbicide Method (Recommended)

This is generally considered the most effective method for killing a crepe myrtle and preventing regrowth. It involves cutting down the tree and then applying herbicide to the freshly cut stump to prevent resprouting.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* Chainsaw or pruning saw
* Herbicide containing glyphosate or triclopyr (specifically labeled for tree stump treatment)
* Paintbrush or garden sprayer
* Safety glasses
* Gloves
* Drill (optional, for larger stumps)
* Drill bits (optional, for larger stumps)

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

**Step 1: Cut Down the Tree:**

* Using a chainsaw or pruning saw, cut down the crepe myrtle as close to the ground as possible. Aim for a clean, level cut. For larger trees, you may need to make multiple cuts.
* Remove any branches or debris from the area around the stump.

**Step 2: Apply Herbicide Immediately:**

* **Timing is crucial.** Apply the herbicide to the freshly cut stump within minutes of cutting the tree down. This is because the tree’s vascular system is still actively transporting fluids, allowing the herbicide to be absorbed more effectively.
* **Read the herbicide label carefully.** Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution and application rates. Using too much herbicide can be harmful to the environment, while using too little may not be effective.
* **Apply the herbicide to the outer edge of the stump’s cambium layer.** The cambium is the thin layer of living tissue just beneath the bark. This is where the tree’s growth occurs, so targeting this area is essential for preventing regrowth. Use a paintbrush or garden sprayer to thoroughly saturate the cambium layer with herbicide.
* For larger stumps (over 6 inches in diameter), consider drilling holes into the stump and filling them with herbicide. Drill holes that are a few inches deep and spaced a few inches apart around the perimeter of the stump. This will help the herbicide penetrate deeper into the root system.

**Step 3: Monitor for Regrowth:**

* Check the stump regularly for signs of regrowth, such as new shoots or suckers emerging from the roots. If you see any regrowth, immediately apply more herbicide to the new growth.
* You may need to repeat the herbicide application several times over the course of a few months to completely kill the tree.

**Important Considerations for Herbicide Use:**

* **Choose the Right Herbicide:** Select an herbicide specifically labeled for tree stump treatment. Glyphosate and triclopyr are both effective options. Ensure the product is suitable for your specific situation and follow all label instructions.
* **Weather Conditions:** Avoid applying herbicide on windy days, as the spray can drift and harm other plants. Also, avoid applying herbicide when rain is expected, as the rain can wash away the herbicide before it has a chance to be absorbed.
* **Protect Surrounding Plants:** Be careful not to get herbicide on desirable plants. If necessary, shield surrounding plants with cardboard or plastic sheeting.
* **Safety:** Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and long sleeves, when handling herbicides. Store herbicides in a safe place, away from children and pets.

2. The Girdling Method (Less Effective, Time-Consuming)

Girdling, also known as ring barking, involves removing a strip of bark around the entire circumference of the tree. This disrupts the flow of nutrients and water between the roots and the crown, eventually killing the tree. However, this method is generally less effective on crepe myrtles due to their ability to resprout from the roots.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* Hatchet or axe
* Safety glasses
* Gloves

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

**Step 1: Remove a Strip of Bark:**

* Using a hatchet or axe, carefully remove a strip of bark around the entire circumference of the tree. The strip should be at least 4-6 inches wide and should penetrate down to the wood.
* Be sure to remove all of the bark, including the cambium layer.

**Step 2: Monitor for Regrowth:**

* Check the tree regularly for signs of regrowth, such as new shoots or suckers emerging from the roots. If you see any regrowth, immediately remove it.
* It may take several months or even years for the tree to die completely using this method.

**Why Girdling is Less Effective on Crepe Myrtles:**

* Crepe myrtles are known for their ability to resprout from the roots, even after being girdled. This is because the roots can still store energy and send up new shoots.
* Girdling can be a slow process, and the tree may continue to grow for some time before it eventually dies.

**Improving the Effectiveness of Girdling:**

* To improve the effectiveness of girdling, you can apply herbicide to the exposed wood after removing the bark. This will help to kill the tree more quickly and prevent regrowth.
* You can also combine girdling with other methods, such as cutting down the tree and applying herbicide to the stump.

3. The Salt Method (Not Recommended)

Using salt to kill trees is an old method, but it is generally not recommended for several reasons:

* **Environmental Damage:** Salt can contaminate the soil and harm surrounding plants. It can also leach into groundwater and pollute water sources.
* **Ineffectiveness:** Salt is not always effective at killing trees, especially those with deep root systems like crepe myrtles. The tree may be able to tolerate the salt or find other sources of water.
* **Legality:** In some areas, it may be illegal to use salt to kill trees. Check your local regulations before using this method.

**Why Salt is Harmful to Plants:**

* Salt interferes with the plant’s ability to absorb water. It draws water out of the plant’s cells, causing dehydration and ultimately death.
* Salt can also damage the soil structure, making it difficult for other plants to grow.

**Alternatives to Salt:**

* If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to kill a tree, consider using the cut and herbicide method or the girdling method with herbicide application. These methods are more effective and less harmful to the environment.

4. The Digging Method (Labor-Intensive, Suitable for Small Trees)

For smaller crepe myrtles, you might consider digging up the entire tree, including the root system. This is a labor-intensive process, but it can be effective in preventing regrowth. This is best suited for young trees that have not yet developed an extensive root system.

**Materials You’ll Need:**

* Shovel
* Pickaxe (optional, for rocky soil)
* Pruning shears or loppers
* Wheelbarrow or tarp
* Gloves
* Safety glasses

**Step-by-Step Instructions:**

**Step 1: Prepare the Area:**

* Clear the area around the tree, removing any rocks, debris, or other obstacles.
* Use pruning shears or loppers to trim back any low-hanging branches that might get in the way.

**Step 2: Dig Around the Tree:**

* Using a shovel, dig a trench around the tree, starting about 2-3 feet away from the trunk. The trench should be deep enough to expose the major roots.
* As you dig, carefully sever any roots that you encounter. Use a pickaxe if necessary to break through tough roots.

**Step 3: Remove the Tree:**

* Once you’ve dug around the entire tree, carefully lift it out of the ground. You may need to use a shovel or pickaxe to loosen the roots and free the tree.
* If the tree is too heavy to lift, you can cut the roots into smaller sections to make it easier to remove.

**Step 4: Dispose of the Tree:**

* Place the tree in a wheelbarrow or tarp and transport it to a designated disposal area. You can dispose of the tree by burning it (where permitted), chipping it into mulch, or taking it to a landfill.

**Preventing Regrowth After Digging:**

* Even after digging up the tree, there may still be small pieces of root left in the ground that can resprout. To prevent this, carefully inspect the area where the tree was growing and remove any remaining roots.
* You can also apply herbicide to the soil to kill any remaining roots. However, be careful not to harm surrounding plants.

Choosing the Right Method for You

The best method for killing a crepe myrtle will depend on several factors, including the size of the tree, your budget, your level of experience, and your environmental concerns. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of each method:

* **Cut and Herbicide Method:**
* Pros: Most effective, relatively quick, prevents regrowth.
* Cons: Requires the use of herbicide, may require power tools.
* **Girdling Method:**
* Pros: No herbicide required, relatively easy to do.
* Cons: Less effective on crepe myrtles, slow process, may not prevent regrowth.
* **Salt Method:**
* Pros: Inexpensive.
* Cons: Environmentally damaging, ineffective, potentially illegal.
* **Digging Method:**
* Pros: No herbicide required, effective for small trees.
* Cons: Labor-intensive, only suitable for small trees, may not prevent regrowth from remaining root fragments.

**Recommendation:**

For most situations, the **cut and herbicide method** is the recommended approach. It is the most effective way to kill a crepe myrtle and prevent regrowth. However, if you are concerned about using herbicides, you can try the girdling method with herbicide application to the exposed wood. If the crepe myrtle is small enough, digging it out entirely might be a viable option.

Preventing Future Problems

Once you’ve successfully removed the crepe myrtle, consider taking steps to prevent future problems with unwanted trees. This may involve:

* **Choosing the right location for new trees:** When planting new trees, be sure to choose a location that is appropriate for their size and growth habits. Avoid planting trees too close to buildings, power lines, or other structures.
* **Proper pruning:** Regular pruning can help to maintain the health and shape of your trees and prevent them from becoming overgrown.
* **Regular monitoring:** Keep an eye on your trees for signs of disease, pests, or other problems. Early detection and treatment can help to prevent serious damage.

Conclusion

Killing a crepe myrtle requires patience and persistence. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively eliminate the tree and prevent regrowth. Remember to prioritize safety and choose the method that is best suited for your specific situation. While the cut and herbicide method stands out as the most effective choice, especially when applied meticulously to the cambium layer, always consider the environmental impact and potential risks. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully remove the unwanted crepe myrtle and create a more desirable landscape.

Good luck!