How Do You Kill A Crepe Myrtle Tree

You can kill a crepe myrtle tree by cutting it down and applying a strong herbicide to the stump.
 
But if you’re asking how do you kill a crepe myrtle tree because it’s regrowing everywhere, you’ll need a more thorough approach than just sawing it back.
 
Crepe myrtles are tough, resilient trees that love to send up suckers from their roots even after the main trunk is gone.
 
So, if you want to know how to kill a crepe myrtle tree for good, you have to target the root system, not just the visible parts.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to kill a crepe myrtle tree, from chemical options to natural methods, and what to expect along the way.
 
Let’s dig into it.
 

Why Killing a Crepe Myrtle Tree Is Tricky

The reason you’re struggling with how do you kill a crepe myrtle tree is that these trees are built to survive.
 
They have an extensive, fibrous root system that stores energy and keeps sending up new shoots.
 
Even a small piece of root left in the ground can sprout into a new tree.
 
So, when you’re figuring out how to kill a crepe myrtle tree, you must plan for this regrowth behavior.
 
It’s not like killing a weak shrub, this tree will fight back if you don’t hit it hard enough.
 

1. The Stump and Sucker Problem

When you cut down a crepe myrtle, the stump immediately becomes a launchpad for new growth.
 
Within weeks, you’ll see suckers sprouting from the base and roots all over your yard.
 
That’s why cutting alone rarely answers the question of how do you kill a crepe myrtle tree.
 
You have to kill the stump and the underground root system to stop this cycle.
 

2. Root System Tenacity

Crepe myrtle roots can extend well beyond the tree’s canopy, spreading out far underground.
 
This means killing a crepe myrtle tree isn’t just about treating one spot, it’s about treating roots you can’t even see.
 
If you miss any part of the root system, you’ll be back to square one within a season.
 
Understanding this tenacity is the first step in learning how to kill a crepe myrtle tree permanently.
 

How to Kill a Crepe Myrtle Tree With Herbicides

The most reliable way to kill a crepe myrtle tree is using a systemic herbicide.
 
Systemic means the chemicals are absorbed and travel throughout the tree, right down to the roots.
 
This is the best answer for how do you kill a crepe myrtle tree if you’re dealing with a large specimen.
 
Here’s the step-by-step process that works best.
 

1. Cut the Tree Down First

Start by cutting the crepe myrtle tree down as low to the ground as you can.
 
Leave a fresh, flat stump that’s about two to three inches above the soil.
 
The freshness matters because the tree needs to be actively transporting water and nutrients for the herbicide to work.
 
Immediately after cutting is the prime time to apply your product.
 

2. Apply Herbicide Directly to the Stump

Within 30 minutes of cutting, paint a concentrated herbicide onto the exposed stump surface.
 
Look for products containing glyphosate or triclopyr, which are highly effective for killing a crepe myrtle tree.
 
Use a paintbrush to coat the entire outer ring of the stump, which is where the living tissue is.
 
This direct application is a proven method for how to kill a crepe myrtle tree quickly.
 

3. Drill Holes for Deeper Penetration

For an extra layer of certainty, drill several holes into the top of the stump, angled downward.
 
Fill these holes with herbicide to ensure the chemical reaches deeper parts of the root system.
 
This technique works wonders when you’re trying to kill a crepe myrtle tree that has a very thick stump.
 
Reapply the herbicide after a week if you see any green growth or live tissue still showing.
 

4. Treat Cut Suckers Immediately

Even with a great stump treatment, you might see suckers popping up nearby.
 
Cut each sucker down and brush the cut end with the same herbicide.
 
This prevents the suckers from feeding the roots and helps you kill a crepe myrtle tree’s entire network.
 
Stay on this routine for several months for the best results.
 

Natural Ways to Kill a Crepe Myrtle Tree

If you prefer to avoid chemicals, there are non-toxic methods to kill a crepe myrtle tree.
 
These take longer and require more elbow grease, but they do work if you’re patient.
 
Here’s how to make a natural approach to killing a crepe myrtle tree successful.
 

1. Frilling and Girdling

Girdling involves cutting a deep ring around the trunk of the crepe myrtle, removing a strip of bark all the way around.
 
This cuts off the flow of sugars from the leaves to the roots, starving the tree over time.
 
You can also make downward cuts into the trunk (frilling) and keep them exposed to the air.
 
It’s a slow way to kill a crepe myrtle tree, sometimes taking a full season or more.
 

2. Repeated Cutting and Smothering

Another natural strategy is to simply cut all new growth down every time it appears.
 
After cutting, cover the stump area with a thick tarp or black plastic to block all sunlight.
 
You’ll deprive the roots of energy, and eventually, they’ll give up.
 
This method to kill a crepe myrtle tree requires dedication, but it avoids any harsh chemicals.
 

3. Boiling Water and Salt

Pouring boiling water directly onto the freshly cut stump can scald the living tissue.
 
After that, you can drill holes and pack them with rock salt.
 
The salt will draw moisture out of the roots and help in killing a crepe myrtle tree, though it may also affect surrounding soil.
 
Use this method carefully if you have other plants nearby.
 

When to Kill a Crepe Myrtle Tree for Best Results

Timing matters a lot when you’re figuring out how do you kill a crepe myrtle tree.
 
The best time is late summer to early fall, when the tree is moving sugars down to its roots for winter storage.
 
This means the herbicide gets pulled deep into the root system quickly.
 
Spring is the worst time because the tree is pushing energy upward into new growth.
 
So, killing a crepe myrtle tree in fall gives you a much higher success rate.
 
Also, avoid treating the tree right after rain, you want dry conditions so the herbicide stays on the stump.
 

What to Expect After You Kill a Crepe Myrtle Tree

Once you’ve successfully killed a crepe myrtle tree, the stump will gradually dry out and become brittle.
 
You’ll notice no new suckers appearing after a few months, which is a great sign.
 
At that point, you can either grind the stump down or leave it to rot naturally in the ground.
 
Remember, killing a crepe myrtle tree fully can take several weeks, so don’t lose patience.
 
Keep monitoring the area for at least one full growing season.
 

So, How Do You Kill a Crepe Myrtle Tree?

You can kill a crepe myrtle tree by combining a low cut with a strong systemic herbicide applied to the fresh stump.
 
If you want to avoid chemicals, you can use girdling, smothering, or repeated cutting to kill a crepe myrtle tree over time.
 
No matter which method you choose, keep in mind that this tree is persistent, and you’ll need to stay consistent with follow-up treatments.
 
If you’ve been asking how do you kill a crepe myrtle tree, we hope this guide gave you clear, actionable steps for your situation.
 
Get out there and tackle that stubborn tree with confidence, knowing you have the right plan in hand.