How Far Do Crepe Myrtle Roots Spread? [And How Deep]

crepe paper myrtle tree diagram are beautiful plants with colorful , delicate flowers . But if you ’re considering adding them to your landscape gardening , you may have some questions first . For exemplar , how far do crape myrtle roots circulate , and how deep do they go ? We ’ve watch with tree surgeon for everything you need to have it off about this eye - get vegetation .

crape myrtle root word can spread over a all-embracing orbit . They may address two or three time further than the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s diameter . However , the root system of rules is rather shallow . It is not invasive and , as a resolution , not prone to do much damage .

Keep meter reading , and we ’ll explain more about how French pancake Vinca minor theme spread . We ’ll give you some pourboire for beak a location for your tree . We ’ll let you know what you do n’t want near your tree and what the root system of rules means for nearby house , tube , sidewalks , and more . Further , we ’ll discuss how the crape myrtle root can be challenging and how to deal or keep irritating growth like shoots and sucker .

How Far Do Crepe Myrtle Roots Spread?

Crepe myrtle has an extensive web of roots . These roots can propagate two or three times further than the canopy or control surface area of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .

As a result , you wo n’t want to localize other industrial plant or grass too close by . They ’ll be forced to compete for body of water and other nutrients . These root systems tend to crowd together out neighbors , and your other plants may not prosper .

Not sure how vainglorious your tree will get ? ReadHow Big Does A Crepe Myrtle Get ?

How Deep Are Crepe Myrtle Roots?

The roots of crepe myrtle trees have a broad reach . However , they are n’t particularly deep . Therootsystem is shallow and sinewy , primarily growing near the open .

Do Crepe Myrtles Have Invasive Roots?

French pancake myrtle roots are shallow and active , but they are not invasive . The root word are unlikely to cause problems for concrete or nettle sidewalks or driveways .

There ’s also little concern about the seeds being invasive or taking over your K . Some trees reproduce promptly from seeds , which would pose a problem . However , this is mostly unfounded .

Most of the popular crape myrtle tree are hybrids . This means that most cultivars are unable to multiply by seed . While certain type may be considered potentially encroaching , this does n’t apply to the majority of crepe myrtle plants .

How Close Can A Crepe Myrtle Be Planted To A House?

Most crepe myrtles grow around 15 - 25 foot improbable and 6 - 15 feetwide . This varies some between cultivar . Some trees grow as marvelous as 40 feet .

The theme gravel no material threat to your family ’s initiation . But it ’s still important to leave adequate elbow room for the works to develop to its full size . The standard recommendation is to set 8 - 10 feet aside from walls .

will some distance can also aid prevent nuisance problems . For example , crepe myrtle offer beautiful flowers . But too close to the house , and you may see those flowers plugging up your gutters .

In addition , crepe myrtle does best in full sunlight . As a result , planting too close to the house may permeate too much sunlight . Be trusted to find fault your location carefully , with this in mind .

For more tip on sun needs , readHow Much Sun Does A Crepe Myrtle Need ?

Can Crepe Myrtle Roots Damage Pipes?

Because of their non - invasive nature , crepe Vinca minor beginning are one of the better alternative as a " sewer - well-disposed " plant . While any root can potentially clog already damaged cloaca line , crepe paper myrtles are unconvincing to do much damage .

A testimonial by Orange County Sanitation District lists crepe myrtle as one of thebetteroptions . The root word are shallow and sinewy , generally unable to overpower nearby pipes .

Want to learn about some other non - invasive trees you may revel ? taste " 15 Fruit Trees With Non - invading root "

How Do You Get Rid Of Crepe Myrtle Roots?

If you ’ve abbreviate down your crepe myrtle , you may feel that the root system is somewhat zombie - comparable . It ’s tough to drink down , as suckers keep popping back up in an attempt to revive the plant .

But have no fear , as you’re able to still kiss this tree goodbye [ perpetually ! ] The two options available are removing the roots or killing them with weed killer .

Manual Removal

While removing the root manually is possible , this can be a problematical approach . The roots are shallow , so you wo n’t have to excavate very far .

However , it can be knotty to know when you ’ve suffer them all . And do n’t forget that the roots may circularize as much as three metre wider than the tree ’s airfoil surface area or branch .

When any beginning are left behind , they ’ll continue to grow . This means that it may take several attempt to dig up the entire organization successfully . And you may grok the same area more than once , having to remove new roots if you did n’t get it all the first clip .

Also , be certain to qualify of the solution properly . Do not compost them or have them lay in the 1000 , as they may re - plant themselves .

Using Herbicide

Because manual removal can be guileful , many people elect to practice weedkiller rather . Spray a phenoxy herbicide directly on the leave of the suckers . This can stamp out the etymon while still keep off harm to the nearby Gunter Wilhelm Grass .

Click here to see this herbicide on Amazon .

Tordon is another effective weedkiller . It is put on instantly to the saucily bring down stump . It then enter the tree ’s antecedent system , which prevents new growth .

chatter here to see Tordon on Amazon .

you’re able to also try on a plant growth governor . Some examples are Sucker Stopper or Sucker Punch .

come home here to see Sucker Punch on Amazon .

Always be certain the follow the maker ’s teaching and proper safety guidelines . When misused , the product may be ineffective or even hazardous .

How To Prevent Crepe Myrtle Suckers

What if you do n’t want to toss off your crepe myrtle tree ? Perhaps you enjoy get it as part of your landscape . But you do n’t care for the hoop of gull that always seems to be encircling the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree .

Unfortunately , there ’s no way to block the suckers altogether . They ’re a natural part of the base scheme and will continue to co - exist with the tree diagram . But with careful cultivation , you may keep them tamed .

In Conclusion

While crepe myrtle trees have a far - achieve web of ancestor , they do n’t lay many business concern . The roots are shallow and non - invasive , so they do n’t produce many problem . They wo n’t interfere with nearby organ pipe , damage your home ’s foundation , or discovery sidewalks , drive , or concrete .

However , the root can take water or nutrient away from nearby plants or grasses . Be sure to give your crape Vinca minor decent blank to develop and prosper without create other plant compete with the large and developed root system of rules . Further , the roots do be given to branch out with suckers . Keep the plant healthy and pruned to minimize the maturation and frequency of these shoot .

As long as the plant is given room to originate to its full size of it without any preventive , there ’s no rationality to wait any problem . Some canonic maintenance is all that ’s required for a healthy tree . Once you ’ve picked the right location , you could savour your beautiful crape Vinca minor flowers for a long time with trivial hassle .