Landscaping input requested

Although I somewhat know my way around the kitchen, I know little of baking. No white thumb! I don't seem to have a green thumb either, so I need your help.

At present I have three crepe myrtles in my back yard. They have been in place for three summers. I have never trimmed them. Presently, one is almost through blooming; one is in full bloom; the third has yet to bloom and shows no hint that it will. All three are in desperate need of shaping. All I know about trimming crepe myrtles is that some bloom on old wood, some on new. I assume that two that are blooming at present, bloom on old wood, and that I should trim them this fall. Correct? The one that has yet to bloom is very leggy and needs trimming the most. I am thinking that I can trim/shape it this fall, and then trim the tips in the spring to promote new growth. Have I figured this out correctly?

Additionally, I need to move a variegated leaf, red twig dogwood bush. Should I do that this fall or next spring?

Thank y'all.

Gayle

I asked Cindy about this, Gayle. Trim the Crepe Myrtles after they bloom. You can move the dogwood bush in either fall or spring, just use good topsoil, water very well and mulch around the base for the winter. Other than that you can ask her during the party.

Thank you, Ed. and I will discuss this with Cindy at the party.

You should not trim the crape myrtles now. It would encourage new growth and that promotes die back and promotes pest problems. Prune after the first hard frost. A "hard frost" is defined as one that makes the leaves to turn color and fall.

Transplanting the bush should also be done at the same time. You should move it as soon as this happens because the roots will continue to grow. This will give it a good start in the spring.

Thank you Steve. I need all the help I can get when it comes to landsccaping.

Sorry Gayle,
the only Crepe I can help you with is the one in the pan!!! Good luck!
xoxo

Cute, Heather!

I am always tryin' Gayle,, Always tryin'!

Steve, I apologize for not thanking you for your detailed reply. I have made the necessary notes on my calendar. My only excuse is that I read it early in the morning before I had any coffee and thus was not fully awake. I look forward to seeing you and Sandy at my "Welcome to Kentucky" gathering.