Crepe Myrtle Growing Around Trunk But Not On Ends Of Branches

Question From: Lake Jackson, Texas, United States
Q: we have a crepe myrtle about 20 years ago. we prune it before the new growth starts in the spring. this year the new growth is coming out around the ground at the trunk and all over the trunk but not on the ends of the branches. this has never happened. what do we need to do?

A: Be patient and see the latent buds come out. If it were mine I would have a certified arborist take a look at it. A trained tree doctor will be able to tell if the tree will come back and regain its natural shape. I suspect the culprit is winter kill. Best Nancy