The Crepe Myrtle, or Lagerstroemia indica, is a highly popular ornamental plant valued for its vibrant flowers and attractive bark. Its robust nature, however, makes complete removal a challenging, multi-step process due to its prolific habit of producing new shoots from the roots. Simply cutting the plant down will only trigger a vigorous response from the root system, which is why a comprehensive strategy is necessary. The goal is not just to remove the visible tree, but to fully kill the tenacious root network that sustains it.
Initial Physical Removal of the Canopy
The first step involves safely reducing the above-ground canopy to a manageable stump. Begin by using a chainsaw or sturdy hand saw to remove all major branches and the trunk, prioritizing safety with appropriate personal protective equipment like safety glasses and gloves. The main trunk should be cut as close to the ground level as possible, ideally leaving a stump that is only one to two inches high. A low, flat cut is safer and ensures the subsequent chemical treatment is applied directly to the most biologically active surface. This initial removal of the entire leafy structure prevents the plant from photosynthesizing, forcing it to rely solely on stored root energy.
Mechanical Methods for Stump Eradication
Once the canopy is gone, the remaining stump and root flare can be dealt with using physical methods, which avoid the use of chemical herbicides. Stump grinding is the most common mechanical technique for larger stumps, utilizing a specialized machine with a rotating cutter wheel to chip the wood down several inches below the soil line. This process turns the stump into wood chips, effectively eliminating the visible obstruction and the major crown of the root system. For smaller, younger Crepe Myrtles, manually digging out the stump and major roots is a labor-intensive but complete removal method. Soil is excavated around the base to expose the roots, which are then severed with an axe or saw. This technique is often preferred when the stump is in close proximity to other desirable plants that could be harmed by chemicals.
Chemical Treatments for Root System Death
To ensure the entire root system is killed and to prevent inevitable regrowth, applying a concentrated systemic herbicide to the fresh stump is the most reliable method. This technique, known as the cut-stump method, capitalizes on the plant’s natural process of drawing resources downward to the roots. The most effective active ingredients are Glyphosate and Triclopyr, which are translocated throughout the plant’s vascular system to kill the roots.
The application must be done immediately after the trunk is cut, ideally within minutes, before the plant’s natural defense mechanisms seal the wound. The most critical area for herbicide application is the cambium layer, the thin, light-colored ring just inside the bark. This tissue is responsible for transporting the herbicide to the roots and must be thoroughly saturated. For stumps larger than four inches in diameter, treating only the outer two inches of the stump, including the cambium, is sufficient.
Herbicides containing Triclopyr are particularly effective on woody plants and often come in oil-soluble formulations that can penetrate the stump more easily. Late summer or early fall is the optimal time for treatment, as the plant is actively moving carbohydrates down to the roots for winter storage. Always use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as chemical-resistant gloves and protective eyewear, and strictly follow the product label’s instructions.
Long-Term Management of Persistent Suckers
Even after successful stump treatment, the root system of a Crepe Myrtle possesses significant stored energy and may produce persistent new shoots, called suckers. Continued vigilance is necessary for several months or even years following the initial removal to manage this regrowth. If suckers are allowed to grow leaves, they can photosynthesize and replenish the root system’s energy reserves, undermining the original chemical treatment.
New suckers must be addressed promptly, either through continuous physical removal or targeted chemical application. Physically cutting or pulling the sprouts immediately upon emergence starves the root system over time, eventually exhausting its stored energy. For a chemical solution, a systemic herbicide like a ready-to-use Triclopyr product can be applied directly to the foliage.
If using a systemic herbicide on suckers in a lawn or garden, carefully apply the product using a foam brush or wipe-on technique to avoid contact with non-target plants. Triclopyr is often favored for this application since it is less likely to harm surrounding grasses than Glyphosate. Once the stump is confirmed dead and is decaying, monitoring for new sucker emergence should continue throughout the next growing season.