crepe myrtles do not need to be trimmed. Everyone does because everyone does. They look so much nicer if allowed to grow in their natural form.

If you must trim them now is the time. It helps to give them air circulation and remove branches that are rubbing together. Just don't go crazy and cut them way back. My neighbor has beautiful ones that are as big as large trees, but not everyone has them planted in the right space to do this.

They say to only trim those that are smaller than a pencil eraser. No need to do the Carepe Murder that is often done.

I don't trim mine, and they bloom fine, but not as big and full as the ones that are "Crepe Murdered". I've heard that if you do trim them, to prune before they start to leaf out and only branches that are smaller than your thumb. I do trim the sucker branches that come up from the ground, though.

Please don't trim, I hate looking at those hack jobs, they don't need to be trimmed at all as they bloom on new wood which they put on on they're own all year, which people then cut off and the poor thing has to put out more new growth. It's so pointless.
Lori

I vote for no trimming at all. Mine have never been cut. When they start blooming, I will post photos. If you want blooms, they respond very well to a little slow-release fertilizer.

Carol in Jacksonville

Thanks everyone! I agree they are Better left alone. I will see how they do this year!