Cutting branches back nearly to the trunk is a European practice known as pollarding. While pollarding has its purposes, it prevents crape myrtles from achieving their naturally beautiful form and size.
Extension: The case against crape murder – in pictures
![](https://forsythnews.cdn-anvilcms.net/media/images/2022/07/15/images/DSC03100.max-1200x675.jpg)
![Crape myrtle](https://forsythnews.cdn-anvilcms.net/media/images/2022/07/15/images/DSC03100.max-752x423.jpg)