The CM bark "looks" dead this time of year. It is still not too late to cut back the branches to encourage more growth and flowers. I just trimmed mine yesterday. Mine were about 10' tall and I cut them back to 6'. Good luck.

Crape myrtles wake-up quite late in the spring; much later that any other plant in our region.

No, do NOT cut then back to "encourage" growth or blossoms. These are not flowers, they're trees and shrubs. It's really a bad idea and causes them to "spider", weakening the trees. Just let them be.

Some varieties don't leaf out until almost June. They're escaping me right now, but Comanche is one. Just watch. Once they're in bloom, you can thin the lateral twigs to prevent mildew (if that variety is prone) or to give it room to leaf and flower. Don't shorten your tree.

Be patient. They're stunning when treated well.

Agree. Do not mutilate your CMs by pruning them. In their natural form they're graceful and beautiful. In a topped state they look tortured and it's NOT helping the tree in anyway.

Thanks SO much for the replies! I just now seen them - so forgive my tardiness. lol

My Acoma Crape Myrtle is just now starting to get leaf buds.. BUT.. The Pecos still looks like a dead stick in the ground. *sigh* Hoping it's just a late starter...