Does crepe myrtle make good mulch?

The mulch should be about 4-6 inches deep (acid mulch, pine bark or oak leaves). Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk of the tree. Do not mulch with mushroom compost. The crape myrtle prefers well-draining clay, loam, or sandy soils.

Is crepe myrtle wood good for anything?

But misnomers aside, Pyinma is still a great wood for many fine woodworking projects. Related species of Pyinma, such as Lagerstroemia indica, are commonly sold as ornamental trees, and are referred to as Crepe Myrtle.

Is crepe myrtle considered a hardwood?

The Crepe Myrtle is typically thought of as an ornamental shrub or small tree. The tree itself has a very hard wood that can be used in craft applications.

Does crepe myrtle make good firewood?

Yes. Crepe myrtle wood can be good for firewood.

What kind of mulch is best for crepe myrtle?

Spread mulch out under the branches and use pine straw, pine bark or wood chips to a depth of 2-3 inches and refresh the layer as needed. Keep mulch off the trunk. One problem that is frequent on crape myrtles is insect damage.

Is Myrtle wood expensive?

Oregon myrtle, often just called myrtle wood, also known as California laurel (Umbellularia californica), is the most expensive wood in North America. The wood is therefore prized for curios, as well as furniture.

Is crepe myrtle rot resistant?

Resistant to Texas Root Rot To thwart Texas root rot, you’ll want to plant “Cherokee” or “Catawba” (Lagerstroemia indica) in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 9.

What kind of mulch to use on crape myrtles?

Pine Bark or Cypress mulch is best. This is especially recommended for Customers in zone 5 and 6. Put mulch on 3” or even 6” inches thick. *Note*- If you plant your Crapes in Fall or Winter, when the leaves are falling or are already dormant, only water 2 or 3 times until spring.

What to do with the bark of a crepe myrtle tree?

The toughness of Crepe Myrtle wood makes the branches appropriate to use for canes. After removing the bark, you can sand the wood to a softly glowing finish. Working in a good oil, like walnut oil, will darken the wood and give you a beautiful cane or walking stick. You will have to either cut the tree yourself or know someone has fallen a tree.

Can a crepe myrtle be used as firewood?

Crepe Myrtle isn’t hardy enough to exist in the colder climes. It’s everywhere here in the south. buZZsaw BRAD and metalcuttr like this. Never heard of it until now. A lot of shrubs and ornamental trees have dense wood, but are slow growing and dont get that big so not really recognized as firewood, but as Timberdog said, dry and dense, great wood!

What kind of tree is a crape myrtle?

So here we have a plant that give us an exceptionally long summer bloom period, great fall foliage (not many trees do that here) and a beautiful sculptured trunk when allowed to grow naturally. There are two types of Crape Myrtle frequently planted; there is Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia hybrid (indica x fauriei).

Is it possible to carve crepe myrtle wood?

After hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, many Crepe Myrtles were blown down and crafters had an ample supply for many years. It is also possible to carve Crepe Myrtle wood. Because it is a relatively hard wood, be sure your tools are sharp and in good condition before starting.

How long does it take for crape myrtles to grow?

Water the plant thoroughly after planting. After watering you may have to add a little more potting soil around the plant and tap soil down with your foot. If you choose, stake the trees with a stick so they will stand straight up. Leave the stakes up for 6 months. Staking your new plants is not necessary. 4. Add Mulch