How To Get Rid Of A Crepe Myrtle

You can get rid of a crepe myrtle by cutting it down, grinding out the stump, or using herbicides to kill the root system completely.

Getting rid of a crepe myrtle can feel like a big job, but it’s totally doable with the right plan and a little patience.

Maybe your crepe myrtle has outgrown its spot, or perhaps it’s battling disease and you’re tired of fighting it.

Whatever your reason for wanting to get rid of a crepe myrtle, there are a few proven methods that actually work.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to get rid of a crepe myrtle, from simple cutting to full stump removal.

Let’s dig into how to tackle this project so you can finally reclaim your yard.

 

Why You Might Want To Get Rid Of A Crepe Myrtle

Before we jump into the how, let’s quickly talk about the why, because knowing your goal helps you choose the best method to get rid of a crepe myrtle.

Crepe myrtles are beautiful, but they can become a headache for several reasons.

Understanding this is key because some methods get rid of the tree quickly while others focus on eliminating every last root.

 

1. Aggressive Suckers And Regrowth

One of the biggest frustrations is the constant battle with suckers sprouting up everywhere.

When you get rid of a crepe myrtle by just cutting it down, the roots are still alive and very determined.

These underground roots will send up new shoots all around the original stump.

To truly get rid of a crepe myrtle, you have to deal with this aggressive regrowth habit.

 

2. The Tree Has Outgrown Its Space

Maybe the crepe myrtle was planted too close to your house, driveway, or power lines.

As it grows, it can cause structural damage or just block your view.

In this case, you need to get rid of a crepe myrtle completely to prevent future problems with foundations or walkways.

 

3. Persistent Disease Or Pest Problems

Crepe myrtles can suffer from powdery mildew, sooty mold, or bark scale infestations.

When these issues become severe and recurring, many homeowners decide to get rid of a crepe myrtle entirely rather than treat it season after season.

It’s often more practical to start fresh with a healthier, more resistant tree species.

 

Best Methods To Get Rid Of A Crepe Myrtle

Now, let’s get to the main event, the actual steps you can take to get rid of a crepe myrtle for good.

There are several approaches, and the right one depends on your tools, your physical strength, and whether you want to use chemicals.

Here are the most reliable ways to get rid of a crepe myrtle effectively.

 

1. Cut It Down And Dig Out The Stump

The most thorough way to get rid of a crepe myrtle is to physically remove the entire stump and as many roots as possible.

Start by cutting the tree down to a manageable stump, usually about 3 to 4 feet tall.

Leave some trunk height so you have leverage to rock the stump back and forth.

Then, dig around the base of the stump to expose the major roots.

Use a sharp axe or pruning saw to sever these roots as you uncover them.

Once the main roots are cut, you can rock the stump to break any remaining smaller roots.

With enough digging and prying, you can eventually pull the stump right out of the ground.

This method is labor-intensive, but it’s the most certain way to get rid of a crepe myrtle without leaving any trace behind.

 

2. Use A Stump Grinder For Fast Removal

If digging sounds exhausting, renting a stump grinder is a smart way to get rid of a crepe myrtle.

A stump grinder is a powerful machine that chips away the wood down to below ground level.

First, cut the crepe myrtle trunk down as close to the ground as possible.

Then, use the grinder to chew up the remaining stump and lateral roots.

This method grinds everything into wood chips, which you can then use as mulch or haul away.

Grinding is faster than digging and is excellent if you want to plant something new in the same spot later.

Just remember that while grinding removes the visible stump, some roots may still be alive and can attempt to regrow.

 

3. Apply Herbicide To The Fresh Cut Stump

To get rid of a crepe myrtle with minimal effort, you can use a chemical approach.

Immediately after cutting the tree down, apply a concentrated herbicide to the outer ring of the fresh cut stump.

This is the most critical step because the stump will absorb the chemical within 30 minutes of being cut.

When the herbicide travels down into the root system, it kills the roots and prevents regrowth.

Always choose a glyphosate-based product that is labeled for stump treatment.

This is a highly effective way to get rid of a crepe myrtle if you don’t want to dig or grind.

 

4. The Cut And Paint Method For Larger Trees

For bigger crepe myrtles, the professional way to get rid of a crepe myrtle is using the cut-and-paint technique.

First, cut the tree down, leaving only a short stump.

Next, drill several deep holes into the top and sides of the stump.

Then, paint or pour a strong herbicide directly into these holes.

This allows the chemical to penetrate deeper into the vascular system of the tree.

After a few weeks, the entire root system should be dead, making the stump easier to remove.

This method successfully gets rid of a crepe myrtle without needing to grind or dig out every single root.

 

What Happens After You Cut Down A Crepe Myrtle?

So you’ve cut down the tree, but are you really done trying to get rid of a crepe myrtle?

Not yet, because the root system is still very much alive.

Crepe myrtles are notorious for sending up suckers from their roots even after the main trunk is gone.

If you skip the stump treatment or removal, you’ll likely see new shoots popping up all over your lawn.

To fully get rid of a crepe myrtle, you must remain vigilant for almost a full growing season.

Here’s how to handle any stubborn regrowth you encounter.

 

1. Mow Or Cut Down New Suckers

If you’ve already applied herbicide and gotten rid of a crepe myrtle’s stump, you might still see a few suckers.

Simply mow them down or cut them off at ground level with pruning shears.

Repeated cutting will eventually starve the roots since they can’t produce energy through leaves.

This is a slow but reliable way to get rid of a crepe myrtle’s remaining underground energy stores.

 

2. Reapply Herbicide To Fresh Cuts

For suckers that keep coming back, you can reapply herbicide to the fresh cut surface.

When you cut a sucker, immediately apply a drop of the same herbicide you used on the stump.

This sends a direct chemical signal to the roots and helps you finish the job.

This two-step process is often the last thing you need to get rid of a crepe myrtle permanently.

 

So, How Do You Get Rid Of A Crepe Myrtle?

You can get rid of a crepe myrtle by combining physical removal with chemical treatment for the best results.

The most complete method is cutting the tree down and grinding out the stump.

But if you prefer a less labor-intensive route, using herbicide on a fresh cut stump is very effective.

It really comes down to how much effort you want to put in and whether you want to use chemicals.

Hope this guide helps you get rid of a crepe myrtle and finally enjoy a clean, open space in your yard.