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Yes, you can dig up and replant crepe myrtles, and it’s a task that’s very doable with the right timing and technique.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can dig up and replant crepe myrtles without killing them, the short answer is yes, but success depends heavily on how you handle the roots and when you make the move.
Digging up and replanting crepe myrtles is something many gardeners do when they’re redesigning a landscape, moving homes, or simply relocating a tree that’s outgrown its spot.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to dig up and replant crepe myrtles, what mistakes to avoid, and how to give your tree the best chance to thrive in its new home.
Let’s get started.
Why You Can Dig Up and Replant Crepe Myrtles
The main reason you can dig up and replant crepe myrtles is their impressive root system adaptability.
Unlike some trees that have a single deep taproot, crepe myrtles develop a fibrous, spreading root network that makes transplanting much more forgiving.
This means when you dig up and replant crepe myrtles, the roots can re-establish themselves in new soil relatively quickly if you handle them properly.
Crepe myrtles are also deciduous, and their dormant season gives you a natural window to move them with minimal stress.
Here’s why they’re such a good candidate for transplanting.
1. Fibrous Root System
Crepe myrtles have a root system that spreads out horizontally rather than diving deep.
This fibrous structure means the roots stay closer to the surface, making them easier to dig up without severing a massive central taproot.
When you dig up and replant crepe myrtles, you can retain a good chunk of the root ball, which is critical for survival.
That’s because the more soil and roots you keep intact, the less shock the tree experiences.
2. Dormancy Reduces Stress
The ideal time to dig up and replant crepe myrtles is during late winter or early spring, while the tree is still dormant.
During dormancy, the tree isn’t actively pushing new leaves or flowers, so all its energy can go toward root recovery after the move.
If you dig up and replant crepe myrtles in the middle of summer, the heat and leaf production will put extra strain on a root system that’s already struggling to establish itself.
3. Hardy and Resilient
Crepe myrtles are known for their toughness, which is another reason you can dig up and replant them with confidence.
They tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay, and they bounce back from pruning and transplanting surprisingly well.
In fact, many gardeners report that crepe myrtles even survive the shock of being moved by a novice, provided the basics are followed.
How to Dig Up and Replant Crepe Myrtles Successfully
Now let’s walk through the actual process of digging up and replanting crepe myrtles step by step.
The key to success is preparation, so don’t skip any of these steps.
1. Choose the Right Time
As mentioned, late winter or early spring is the best time to dig up and replant crepe myrtles.
You want the ground to be workable, meaning it’s not frozen solid, but the tree should still be leafless or just beginning to bud.
Transplanting in fall is also possible in milder climates, but spring gives the tree a full growing season to recover before winter hits.
2. Prepare the New Hole First
Before you even think about digging up your crepe myrtle, dig the new hole in its intended spot.
The hole should be at least twice as wide as the root ball you expect to extract, but no deeper than the root ball itself.
This ensures the tree sits at the same depth it was growing before, which is crucial to avoid rot.
While you’re at the new location, amend the soil with compost if needed, but don’t add fertilizer just yet.
3. Water the Tree a Day Before
A day before you dig up and replant crepe myrtles, give the tree a deep watering.
This hydrates the roots and makes the soil softer, so you’re less likely to damage the root ball when you dig.
Moist soil also clings to the roots better, keeping them protected during the move.
4. Dig a Wide Root Ball
When you’re ready to dig up the crepe myrtle, start by measuring the tree’s trunk diameter.
For every inch of trunk diameter, you’ll want about 10 to 12 inches of root ball radius.
This means a tree with a 2-inch diameter trunk should have a root ball that’s at least 20 to 24 inches wide.
Use a sharp spade to cut a circle around the tree, then work your way under the roots to lift the ball.
Be patient and gentle, as tearing roots off cleanly is better than crushing them.
5. Lift and Transport with Care
Once the root ball is free, use a tarp or burlap to lift the tree out of the ground.
You can dig up and replant crepe myrtles, but you shouldn’t be dragging them by the trunk, as that will rip the roots.
Wrap the root ball in burlap to keep soil in place and moisture locked in during transport.
Move the tree to its new hole as quickly as possible, avoiding any prolonged exposure to sun or wind.
6. Plant at the Same Depth
Place the crepe myrtle in the new hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground.
If you bury the trunk too deep, you risk stem rot; if you plant it too high, the roots will dry out.
Backfill the hole with the soil you removed, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets.
7. Water Thoroughly and Mulch
After planting, give the tree a long, slow watering to settle the soil around the roots.
Then apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup.
For the first few weeks, water deeply every 2 to 3 days, then gradually reduce the frequency as the roots establish.
What to Avoid When Digging Up and Replanting Crepe Myrtles
Even though you can dig up and replant crepe myrtles, there are a few common mistakes that can doom the tree.
Here’s what to steer clear of.
1. Don’t Move Large Trees Alone
A mature crepe myrtle with a trunk wider than 4 inches is very heavy, and digging up and replanting it will require serious effort.
Ideally, you should tackle trees that are young or small to medium-sized, under 10 feet tall.
For large specimens, consider calling in a professional with the equipment to handle the job safely.
2. Avoid Transplanting in Extreme Heat
You can dig up and replant crepe myrtles in summer, but you’ll be fighting an uphill battle.
The heat causes rapid water loss from leaves, and with a damaged root system, the tree can’t keep up.
If you must move it in summer, prune back some branches to reduce the leaf load and keep the tree shaded for a few weeks.
3. Don’t Skip the Aftercare
Your job doesn’t end when you dig up and replant crepe myrtles.
The first year after transplanting is critical for survival.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and don’t fertilize until the tree shows new growth, which signals that roots are recovering.
Also, stake the tree if it’s top-heavy or in a windy location, but remove the stakes after one year so the trunk grows strong on its own.
So, Can You Dig Up and Replant Crepe Myrtles?
Yes, you can dig up and replant crepe myrtles, and with the right approach, your tree will settle into its new home beautifully.
The key is to do it in late winter or early spring, dig a wide root ball, plant at the correct depth, and provide consistent care afterward.
Crepe myrtles are resilient, so don’t be afraid to attempt this transplant, just follow the steps we outlined and give your tree time to adjust.
We hope this guide on whether you can dig up and replant crepe myrtles has given you the confidence to move your tree successfully.
So go ahead, dig up and replant crepe myrtles, and watch them thrive in a brand new spot.