When cities and HOA’s grow tired of maintaining medians it shows.  Crape myrtles, palms, Japanese blueberries, and other malleable[i] DOT landscaping suggested species for medians usually require maintenance.  Not the maintenance of ‘crape murder’ but a seasonal pruning in the Springtime and in the Fall.  Springtime pruning consists of removing touching branches, branches that reduce air circulation, and new tender growth, that is the result of incorrect pruning practices.  In the Fall, the tender shoots continue to grow into thicker branches over summer.

Those vigorous shoots emerging from the base of a crape myrtle are called suckers, and while they may seem harmless, they can quickly alter the plant's natural form and divert energy from flowering and canopy growth. Remove suckers as soon as they appear by cutting them as close to their point of origin as possible.

For best results, inspect trees several times throughout the growing season, especially after pruning, storm damage, or periods of rapid growth. An easy way to remove the suckers is to catch them as they sprout and just rub your hand over the soft green leave. They will peel off easily, no need for tools. Consistent sucker removal helps maintain the plant's attractive tree form, improves air circulation, and keeps the landscape looking neat and well maintained. Remember, a healthy crape myrtle should display its beautiful bark and graceful branching structure, not a thicket of unwanted shoots around its base.

Carefully landscaped and expensive medians can quickly turn into eyesores when not maintained. Remember there is no such thing as a “no maintenance” landscape. Cities and HOA’s need to remember this.

[i] Malleability is the quality of plant material to easily recover after being damaged by vehicles, vandalism or similar causes.  Damaged trees will sprout from roots or stems to quickly restore their ornamental function.  Similarly, trees with high malleability can be more easily managed at a 100 mm or smaller caliper.  Stems are simply removed and replaced by sprouts which take the place of removed stems. Thus, a tree may be managed at a designated caliper diameter for a much longer time than one which cannot be so easily renewed. https://www.fdot.gov/   

Teresa’s note: The species are strong enough to slow down a colliding vehicle from entering the opposite-direction highway but able to give way for safety of humans and vehicles.