I'm starting a new thread. @Pirl's beautiful pollarded (my new Word of the Day) Crape Myrtle prompted me to consider trimming up our own leggy Crape Myrtle tree. Maybe not a true pollard, as that would constitute Crape Murder. But removing branches much larger than the recommended pencil-size. I had this tree professionally pruned last Spring. The same Tree Company removed 4 other trees that were too close to the house. They left this one saying it had a chance to ge a pretty tree being on the corner and the sun it receives. The pruning did not improve its shape, however. What do you think? ?

I think its beautiful and I wouldn't do anything more to it.

I'm torn between trying to get someone to move it, chopping off a few limbs (semi murder) to get it to bloom lower or just replacing it with a new CM that could be placed in the lawn - one that won't go above 15 or 20'. Your home is far too beautiful to have a CM that blooms so high that you and others have to strain your necks to see it.

That is true that it is pretty tall for blooms, but the size compliments the 2 story height. People from a distance (think driving by) would be able to see the blooms nicely. What about an under-planting? That would help fill in the area underneath and add color/texture for those walking through.

Good idea. An underplanting would eliminate the "bony legs" of the existing CM and be even more attractive.

The tree is very proportion to the house and that is what I wanted. The thing is, those leggy branches sway and hang low when it rains. It looks pretty bad until it recovers. Thought if I could give it more branches, it wouldn't sag so much? See those Buford holly hedges below it? They are 5 feet tall from the sidewalk in front of it. I cut off 18" a few months ago. They are huuuge. Below the hollys are a row of ruellia. Any more undergrowth below it would have to be of mega proportion. Thanks for your thoughts on this. I just want a fuller look. Maybe a good trim next February, leave it alone, then see what happens after that??

Maybe trim half and see if the results are what you want?

@pirl
do you mean to trim half of the branches back or to trim the total height by half?

If you trimmed back half the limbs to 6' or 8' you would get blooms lower on the plant to help fill it out, right?

This is what I'm thinking. Half way back the branches are 3"+ thick.. Maybe up a little further to save my arms and pects?

Ha! Cut at whatever height is easiest for you!

....Or my tallest ladder! ha!

A step stool is as far as I go now!

I think you should sit on your step stool to trim you newest crepe myrtle, @Pirl.

I'd have to lean down quite far!