Crape Myrtles in Daytona Beach, FL: When to Prune, How to Prune, and What “Crape Murder” Really Means by Cole's Landscaping and Property Maintenance LLC

Crape myrtles are one of the most popular flowering trees in Central Florida—and for good reason. They provide vibrant summer color, attractive peeling bark, and a graceful canopy that fits perfectly into both residential and commercial landscapes.

At Cole’s Landscaping and Property Maintenance LLC, we regularly help homeowners and property managers throughout the Daytona Beach area keep their crape myrtles healthy, attractive, and properly maintained using proven pruning techniques that promote long-term growth and flowering.

When to Prune Crape Myrtles in Daytona Beach, FL

The best time to prune crape myrtles is late winter to early spring, typically January through February in Volusia County.

Why This Timing Works Best:

• The tree is fully dormant

• The branch structure is easy to see

• Pruning encourages strong spring growth and better blooms

• Reduces stress and the risk of disease

How to Prune Crape Myrtles the Right Way

Proper crape myrtle pruning is about structure and health, not size control.

Step-by-Step Proper Pruning:

• Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches

• Eliminate small interior shoots to improve airflow and light penetration

• Select 3–5 strong main trunks and remove weak suckers

• Prune branches back to about pencil thickness — this is the healthiest cut point for strong, full blooms

• Lightly thin the canopy — never top the tree

• Preserve the tree’s natural shape and height

The goal is a tall, open, natural-looking tree that blooms beautifully and remains structurally strong year after year.

What Is “Crape Murder”?

“Crape murder” is the term used when crape myrtles are aggressively topped or butchered every year.

Why Crape Murder Is Bad:

• Causes weak, floppy growth

• Reduces flower quality and bloom size

• Creates unsightly knuckles

• Increases susceptibility to disease and storm damage

• Shortens the overall lifespan of the tree

Best Crape Myrtle Varieties for Daytona Beach & Central Florida

Not all crape myrtles perform the same in Florida’s heat, humidity, and sandy soils. These varieties have proven to thrive in the Daytona Beach area:

🌸 Natchez Crape Myrtle

• White blooms

• Strong mildew resistance

• Beautiful peeling bark

• Excellent for large landscapes and streetscapes

🌸 Muskogee Crape Myrtle

• Lavender blooms

• Fast-growing

• Excellent disease resistance

• Great for wide-open residential yards

🌸 Sioux Crape Myrtle

• Pink blooms

• Smaller mature size

• Perfect for tight spaces and residential lots

🌸 Tonto Crape Myrtle

• Bright red blooms

• Compact growth habit

• Excellent mildew resistance

• Ideal for accent planting

🌸 Zuni Crape Myrtle

• Lavender-pink blooms

• Moderate size

• Performs well in Central Florida heat

These varieties offer better disease resistance, stronger structure, and healthier long-term growth than older, weaker cultivars.

Why Choose Cole’s Landscaping and Property Maintenance LLC?

At Cole’s Landscaping and Property Maintenance LLC, we understand how crape myrtles grow in Central Florida’s climate and how to prune them correctly—not butcher them.

We use professional pruning practices that protect your trees, enhance curb appeal, and encourage healthy flowering year after year.

Proudly Serving:

Daytona Beach FL, South Daytona FL, Port Orange FL, Ponce Inlet FL, New Smyrna Beach FL, Ormond Beach FL, and surrounding areas of Volusia County.

Ready to Protect Your Crape Myrtles?

Don’t let improper pruning—or “crape murder”—ruin your trees.

Contact Cole’s Landscaping and Property Maintenance LLC today for professional crape myrtle pruning services in Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas.