This improperly pruned crape myrtle tree has undergone “crape murder,” which is when the entire crown of the crape myrtle tree is cut off. Courtesy of Leaf & Limb, a Raleigh-based tree care company ...

Pruning a tree may not be the most glamorous DIY project, but doing it properly is critical to the health of the trees in your yard. Protect your trees by properly pruning them. Photo by ruralgold.

Now’s the time of year you’re most likely to see naked crape myrtle trees, the unfortunate consequence of improper wintertime pruning. The practice has even been given a not-so-affectionate nickname: ...