[The Rock]

Hi guys, I'm new to the forum. Been performing lawn maintenance as a sole proprietor 6 years. There's a problem i'm continuing to face. Can anyone tell me how to prevent the suckers from re-appearing 2 weeks after they're cut from crepe mrytles? Thanks so much for your help.

[NCSULandscaper]

there is a spray that you can put on crepes that controls suckers but i cant remember the name.........usually i just go back and keep cutting them off whenever i see them thats just one of the problems that you have when messing with crepes.

[Fine Edge]

I've got one in my back yard that does the same thing but has about 50 suckers. Now it looks like a small bush under my crape.
This may sound crazy but since it is my house, i'm going to cut them back one more time and apply a watered down spray of Round-up to the emerging new growth.
I know, I know, it's systemic, "You'll Kill Your Tree!"
My Crape Myrtle is going to be the guinea pig for my new experiment, HAHAHAHA!

Plus, I have 40 more on my irrigation pad!
Will let you know what happens.

[phototropic1]

I've used the spray simply called "Sucker Stopper" on Crape Myrtles. As you all know, no matter how proper your pruning cuts are on Crape Myrtles, suckers will probably develop near the wound. I've had pretty good success with this stuff. You still get a few suckers developing, but I'd say it reduces them by about 90-95%. Worth it in my book. Read the instructions, though, because you are only supposed to use it once a year per plant. I bought it at Foresty Suppliers. I bet you can get it at most good nurseries. Here's a link to a FAQ. http://www.montereylawngarden.com/fa...r_stopper.html

[The Rock]

Thanks guys. I,ve tried the watered down round up method. It slowed the growth and fortunately it didn't kill the plant. Too big of risk to take on a regular basis. I'm going to try the sucker stopper and see what happens. Thanks for the replies. Stay safe out there guys!!!!