How To Dig Up A Crepe Myrtle Tree

You can dig up a crepe myrtle tree successfully if you plan carefully and use the right technique.
 
Digging up a crepe myrtle tree is a big job, but it’s totally doable whether you’re moving it to a new spot or getting rid of it for good.
 
The key is understanding how the root system works before you ever put a shovel in the ground.
 
A crepe myrtle tree has a fibrous root system that spreads wide rather than deep, which makes it easier to dig up than many other trees.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the entire process of digging up a crepe myrtle tree, from preparation to replanting, so you can do it with confidence.
 
Let’s dig in.

Why You Should Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree Properly

Digging up a crepe myrtle tree the right way matters more than you might think.
 
If you dig up a crepe myrtle tree to relocate it, a proper dig protects the roots and gives the tree its best chance to survive the move.
 
If you’re removing a crepe myrtle tree entirely, doing it correctly prevents suckers from popping up all over your yard for years.
 
Many homeowners try to dig up a crepe myrtle tree by just yanking on the trunk, but that shreds the roots and leaves a mess behind.
 
The right approach involves timing, tools, and a little patience.

1. Choose the Right Time of Year to Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree

The best time to dig up a crepe myrtle tree is during its dormant season, which is late fall to early spring.
 
Dormancy means the tree has dropped its leaves and is storing energy in the roots, not in the foliage above.
 
Digging up a crepe myrtle tree in winter gives the roots time to recover before the tree starts pushing out new growth.
 
Spring digging works too, but you’ll need to be extra careful about watering.
 
Avoid digging up a crepe myrtle tree in the heat of summer because the stress can be fatal for the tree.

2. Gather the Right Tools for Digging Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree

Before you start digging up a crepe myrtle tree, make sure you have everything you need.
 
You’ll want a sharp spade or shovel for the initial cuts around the root ball.
 
A digging bar or pickaxe helps break through compacted soil and thick roots.
 
Pruning shears or a small saw are essential for cutting through roots that are too tough for the shovel.
 
A tarp or burlap sack is great for wrapping the root ball once you dig up a crepe myrtle tree.
 
Don’t forget a spray bottle full of water to keep the roots moist while you work.

3. Estimate the Root Ball Size Before You Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree

The root ball you need is directly related to the size of the trunk.
 
A good rule of thumb is to dig a root ball that’s 10 to 12 inches wide for every inch of trunk diameter.
 
So if your crepe myrtle tree trunk is 3 inches thick, you’ll need a root ball that’s about 30 to 36 inches in diameter.
 
This is the critical part of digging up a crepe myrtle tree because cutting too close to the trunk leaves too few roots for survival.
 
Mark your circle on the ground with chalk or a string before you make the first cut.

Steps to Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree Successfully

Now that you’re prepared, it’s time to get your hands dirty.
 
The process of digging up a crepe myrtle tree is methodical and takes some elbow grease.
 
Follow these steps closely and your crepe myrtle tree will thank you.

1. Water the Ground a Day Before You Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree

Moist soil is much easier to dig through than dry, hard-packed dirt.
 
Water the area around the crepe myrtle tree thoroughly the day before you plan to dig.
 
Give it a deep soak, not just a sprinkle, so the water penetrates 12 inches or more.
 
This helps the soil cling to the roots when you dig up a crepe myrtle tree instead of crumbling away.
 
Wet soil also reduces the shock to the root system during the process.

2. Cut a Clean Circle Around the Crepe Myrtle Tree

Start by digging a trench along your marked circle.
 
Use your sharp spade to slice straight down into the soil, about 12 to 18 inches deep.
 
This initial cut severs the outer roots cleanly, which forces the tree to focus on growing new feeder roots.
 
Work your way all the way around the tree, slicing the soil like you’re cutting a giant pie out of the ground.
 
The cleaner you make this cut, the better the root ball stays intact when you dig up a crepe myrtle tree.

3. Pry and Loosen the Root Ball From Underneath

Once your trench is deep enough, start undercutting the root ball.
 
Angle your shovel underneath the crepe myrtle tree at about 45 degrees to start lifting the mass of roots and soil.
 
Use the digging bar to rock the root ball back and forth to loosen it from the earth below.
 
As you work, cut any roots you encounter with your pruning shears rather than yanking them.
 
This is the slowest part of digging up a crepe myrtle tree, but don’t rush it.
 
You want to preserve as many fine roots as possible.

4. Lift the Crepe Myrtle Tree From the Hole

When the root ball feels loose, you’re ready to lift the tree.
 
For smaller trees, you can lift it by hand with a helper on the other side.
 
For larger crepe myrtle trees, roll the root ball onto a tarp and drag it out of the hole.
 
Never pull on the trunk itself because that will snap the roots that are still attached.
 
Slide the tarp under the root ball and use it as a sling to lift and carry.
 
Once you dig up a crepe myrtle tree, wrap the root ball in the tarp or burlap immediately to lock in moisture.

After You Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree: Replanting or Disposal

What you do after you dig up a crepe myrtle tree depends on your goal.
 
If you’re replanting, you’ll want to get the tree into its new home as quickly as possible.
 
Dig your new hole before you even start on the old tree so the roots are exposed for the shortest time possible.
 
If you’re removing a crepe myrtle tree for good, break up the root ball and let it dry out in the sun.
 
You can also compost the woody roots if you chop them into smaller pieces first.

1. Replanting Tips After You Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree

Plant the crepe myrtle tree at the same depth it was originally growing, no deeper.
 
Backfill the hole with the native soil you removed, not with potting mix.
 
Water it deeply right after planting to remove air pockets around the roots.
 
Mulch around the base but keep it a few inches away from the trunk.
 
Water the transplanted crepe myrtle tree every day for the first two weeks, then taper off gradually.

2. Dealing With Suckers After You Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree

If you leave any major roots in the ground, you might see suckers sprouting.
 
This is super common when you dig up a crepe myrtle tree and miss some of the outer roots.
 
The easiest fix is to cut the suckers down to the ground and treat the cut area with a stump killer.
 
You can also keep cutting them back until the root eventually starves and dies.
 
Just know that persistence is key here.

So, How Do You Dig Up a Crepe Myrtle Tree?

You can dig up a crepe myrtle tree successfully if you time it right and respect the root system.
 
Digging up a crepe myrtle tree requires a good deep soak beforehand, the right tools, and a careful root ball measurement.
 
Always push your shovel straight down in a clean circle before you start prying underneath.
 
Once you dig up a crepe myrtle tree, keep the roots wrapped and moist, and replant it quickly.
 
If you’re removing a crepe myrtle tree permanently, stay on top of suckers for a season or two.
 
Follow these steps and you’ll handle the job without turning your yard into a disaster zone.