The recent snow fall in DC area damaged my crepe myrtle. Here is one branch that looks salvageable to a lay person like myself. What do you guys think? Cut it off or brace it some how?

Thanks

I have no idea whether it would work, but I would clamp it back together and hope for the best.

Bracing it won't work - it will contnue to split. Cut if off or...

(I doubt this will work but can't hurt) try to force the two sides back together and bind them with something soft (strips of sheets or...) to see if it would grow together again. It may work and it may not but you aren't causing any more damage by waiting. Even if it did heal, that branch will be weak as the skeltal portion is now compromised.

porkpal said:I have no idea whether it would work, but I would clamp it back together and hope for the best.

When you have two like-minded optimists, anything is possible.

I'm worried about damaging the left branch of I add a brace which might constrict its diameter growth at the brace location. I was thinking of using an adjustable metal brace, and maybe I could just expand that over time.

Don't use metal. Experiment with soft materials you have, or purchase appropriate items.

If you have any kind of strap that has Velcro closures, that would be useful. Place it right above the little branch on the right side of the split, and pull it secure. It shouldn't be able to slide down.

You could similarly use arborist straps; look at A. M. Leonard online to see what kinds of offerings to get an idea.

Finally, anyone who has had to do physical therapy knows the colored stretchy bands (yellow, red, blue, green) which offer varying levels of resistance. Take one that is stiffest and tie the two sides of the split together (above a side branch that will keep it from slipping).

Worst that can happen? It doesn't work, and you prune it all off anyway. You'll learn some things in the process.

Frankly, if it were mine, I would just prune it off already. These shrubs and trees are incredibly resilient!

Several years ago, one of mine developed a frost crack on its south side (due to a warm February with alternating cold). It split the main trunk of the tree. This was one of my most beautiful Crepes and I was very upset. I cut it down to the ground and planted another of the same pink color. Well, the original plant completely recuperated and is.a tree again. How many trees do that?! I think the bigger problem is ever getting rid of one! Just my 2 cents.

And subtropix makes my point - but without any learning curve in seeing what might (or might not) happen by making the attempt to brace/splint/cast/hogtie the split branches.

I could go on another epistle here, but...it's snowing, looks beautiful out off the deck, and my bride is preparing a batch of Lamb Chops to pair with a very nice bottle we've been waiting to taste for eight years.

During the era when I managed horticultural staff on central Kentucky thoroughbred horse farms (two of which are now APGA recognized arboreta), I would have new staff learn how to operate all woody plant cutting instruments (knives, pruners, pruning saws, chainsaws, etc.) on DEAD PLANTS, or plants that were soon to be removed. Invasive species were common victims, er, specimens upon which to practice.

Once a person demonstrated competency and judgment in using these very important implements, they could then move up to working on living permanent members of the farm's landscape.

You can always cut off more, but you cannot put it back.

If you cut the injured branch off, you miss out on a real adventure! As everyone has said, if you fail at repair, you can always cut it later.

Well, I guess I'm going for gold reading these comments. I will try out some non-abrasive straps and post later how it goes. Thanks folks!