Crape Myrtle Trees

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If you're a northerner thinking about relocating to the south or the Atlanta metro area, you may have already noticed some "strange" trees that are indigenous to the south and the tropics.

This time of year, yes, you're right, CRAPE MYRTLE trees look a little strange.  But come summer time, they fill out and look beautiful.

When I first relocated from Ohio and the Boston area to Atlanta, I was mesmerized by these incredible trees.  Over time I've learned there are probably more than 50 species of these deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs that are cultivated around the world and in warmer climates including the Atlanta metro area.  These trees fill a variety of landscaping needs.  Crape Myrtles are known for their long colorful and long-lasting flowers as well as their bark that sheds throughout the year.  Most Crape Myrtle species have sinewy, fluted stems and branches with a mottled appearance that arises from having bark that sheds.  In the pictures above, you'll notice how smooth the bark looks and it actually feels very smooth too.

The flowers are born in the autumn and summer in panicles of crinkled flowers with a crape like texture.  Colors vary from deep purple, to red, white and with every shade in between.  My favorite colors are the deep purple variety and the deep rose variety. 

There is great debate over whether or not to cut the trees back in the winter months.  I have heard landscapers say that if you cut the trees back in the fall, they will be more lush, thicker and more abundant with buds and color during the summer and fall.  Yet, some landscapers frown on this idea too, while others claim that it is best to prune and cut these trees back every other year or on a rotating year to year basis.  Regardless, as I drive around the Atlanta metro area, it looks as though most trees have been cut way back this year -- and as strange as it may look now, this will yield beauty beyond description this summer.   Sometimes, I actually marvel at how sparse these trees appear during the winter and how majestic and beautiful they look during the summer.

Everyone seems to love Crape Myrtle trees.  You will too! 

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia working mainly in the north Atlanta metro area.  Originally from Ohio, Sara relocated to Atlanta in February 1994 after living for 18 years in the Boston area.  Although she misses both Ohio and New England, Sara has embraced Atlanta and the south and loves sharing her interest of indigenous southern trees and shrubs with prospective clients.  Call Sara anytime at 404-660-2481 or e-mail her at Sara@SaraHibbard.com.   You can visit her website at www.SaraHibbard.com. 

Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!