While most gardeners plant crepe myrtles for their spectacular summer flowers, the bark of these remarkable trees provides year-round ornamental value that rivals any other feature. The smooth, mottled trunks and branches become particularly prominent in winter when leaves have fallen, transforming bare trees into sculptural elements that bring colour and texture to the dormant garden.
Understanding crepe myrtle bark, its natural exfoliation process, and how to care for it helps you appreciate and maximise this often-overlooked aspect of these versatile trees. Whether you're selecting varieties with outstanding bark characteristics or learning to maintain healthy, attractive trunks, this guide covers everything you need to know.
The Exfoliating Bark Process
Crepe myrtles belong to an exclusive group of trees that produce exfoliating bark, where the outer layers peel away naturally to reveal fresh, colourful bark beneath. This characteristic results from the trunk growing faster than the bark can expand, causing the outer layers to split and shed. The process is completely normal and healthy, not a sign of disease or stress.
As each layer peels away, it exposes smooth new bark that typically displays different colours than the outer layers. This creates the distinctive mottled appearance crepe myrtles are famous for, with patches of grey, tan, cinnamon, and cream intermingling across the trunk. Over time, the exposed bark weathers and mellows, developing its own patina before eventually peeling away to reveal fresh bark beneath.
Exfoliation occurs most actively during the growing season when trunk expansion is greatest. You'll often notice thin, papery sheets or curling strips of bark on the ground around your trees during spring and summer. This is entirely normal. In winter, exfoliation slows dramatically along with overall growth, allowing you to appreciate the current bark pattern without constant change.
Bark Colour by Variety
- Natchez - Outstanding cinnamon to dark brown bark, considered one of the best
- Tuscarora - Attractive mottled brown and grey
- Pink Velour - Distinctive near-black bark with grey highlights
- Acoma - Light grey bark with cinnamon undertones
- Muskogee - Grey-brown bark with subtle mottling
Understanding Bark Health
Healthy crepe myrtle bark has a smooth, tight appearance when young, becoming increasingly textured and mottled with age. The trunk should feel solid to touch, without soft spots, deep cracks, or areas that give way under gentle pressure. Learning to recognise normal bark versus potential problems helps you catch issues early.
Normal characteristics include the exfoliating process described above, minor surface lichens in humid areas, and slight roughening of bark at the base of mature trees. Colour variations across the trunk are normal and desirable. Small raised lenticels (breathing pores) appear as tiny dots or lines and are a sign of healthy, actively growing bark.
Concerning signs that warrant investigation include sunken or discoloured patches that don't correspond to normal exfoliation patterns, fungal growth other than surface lichens, sticky sap or resin oozing from the trunk, and bark that separates from underlying wood when pressed. These symptoms may indicate bacterial or fungal infections, boring insect damage, or mechanical injury requiring attention.
Physical damage to bark from lawn equipment, vehicles, or construction is one of the most common problems affecting crepe myrtle trunks. Even minor wounds expose the underlying cambium layer to pathogens and can girdle the trunk if severe enough. Prevention through appropriate mulching and trunk protection during vulnerable periods is far easier than treating damage after it occurs.
Maximising Bark Display
Several factors influence how attractive and prominent your crepe myrtle's bark appears. Understanding these factors allows you to enhance this feature through appropriate planting decisions and maintenance practices.
Pruning approach significantly affects bark display. Trees pruned to multi-trunk or standard single-trunk forms showcase bark better than heavily pruned shrub forms where thick branch clusters obscure the trunk structure. The practice of "crepe murder" (severe topping) not only reduces flowering but creates unsightly knobby stubs that detract from bark beauty. Our pruning guide details techniques that maintain both flowering and bark aesthetics.
Adequate sunlight promotes the healthiest, most attractively coloured bark. Trees grown in shade often develop paler, less distinctive bark colours compared to specimens in full sun. The warm, dry conditions of sunny positions also reduce lichen growth that can obscure bark patterns in humid areas.
Trunk cleaning, while generally unnecessary, can enhance bark appearance in situations where heavy lichen growth, algae, or accumulated grime obscure the natural colours. Gently brush affected areas with a soft brush and clean water, taking care not to damage the bark surface. Avoid pressure washers, harsh chemicals, or abrasive cleaning methods that can harm the bark.
Key Takeaway
The best bark displays come from trees grown naturally without excessive pruning, positioned in full sun, and protected from physical damage. Good general tree health promotes attractive bark as a byproduct of overall vigour.
Seasonal Bark Changes
Crepe myrtle bark changes appearance through the seasons, offering different visual experiences throughout the year. Understanding these changes helps you appreciate the full ornamental value of your trees.
In spring, active growth triggers fresh exfoliation as the trunk expands beneath the previous season's bark. The newly revealed bark often appears in its most vivid colours, with strong cinnamon, pink-brown, or grey tones depending on variety. This is the most dynamic period for bark changes, with visible transformation occurring over weeks.
Summer brings slower but continued exfoliation as growth focuses on flowering and leaf production. The intense sunlight of Australian summers can lighten bark colours somewhat, particularly on exposed south and west-facing trunk surfaces. This bleaching effect contributes to the mottled appearance as shadier portions retain darker colours.
Autumn sees bark colours deepen and mellow as temperatures cool and growth slows. The contrast between different bark patches often appears most distinct during this period, creating beautiful interplays of colour. The developing autumn foliage above provides a complementary backdrop to the increasingly prominent trunks.
Winter showcases bark at its finest, with bare branches framing smooth, colourful trunks against grey skies. The absence of foliage allows full appreciation of trunk structure and bark patterns. Frost and dew can temporarily darken bark, revealing the full depth of colour that may appear washed out in dry summer conditions.
Common Bark Problems and Solutions
While crepe myrtle bark is generally trouble-free, several issues can occasionally affect trunk health and appearance. Identifying problems early allows for effective treatment before lasting damage occurs.
Lichen growth appears as grey-green, crusty patches on bark, particularly in humid coastal areas. While generally harmless, heavy lichen coverage can obscure attractive bark colours. Improve air circulation through selective pruning of crowded branches, and remove heavy lichen buildup with gentle brushing. Avoid chemical treatments that may damage bark.
Sooty mould, a black fungal coating associated with sap-sucking insects like aphids and scale, can cover bark as readily as leaves. The mould itself doesn't directly damage the tree but indicates an insect problem requiring treatment. Control the underlying pest infestation, and the mould will gradually weather away as its food source (insect honeydew) disappears.
Bark splitting or cracking can result from rapid growth, frost damage, or sunscald (winter sun warming bark that then rapidly cools). Minor cracks typically heal naturally as the tree compartmentalises the damage. Protect young trees from temperature extremes by planting in appropriate positions and wrapping trunks during severe weather if necessary.
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact an arborist if you notice extensive bark loss exposing bare wood, significant oozing or weeping from the trunk, fungal brackets or mushrooms growing from the bark, or if the trunk feels hollow or soft in areas. These symptoms may indicate serious structural issues requiring professional assessment.
Protecting Bark During Garden Maintenance
Many bark injuries result from routine garden maintenance activities. Simple precautions protect your crepe myrtle's trunk and preserve its ornamental value.
Lawn equipment, particularly string trimmers, causes tremendous bark damage when used carelessly near tree trunks. The spinning line cuts through bark easily, creating wounds that may girdle and kill young trees or create permanent scarring on older specimens. Maintain a mulched, grass-free zone extending at least 60cm from the trunk to eliminate the need for trimming near the bark.
Vehicle damage from cars, trailers, or construction equipment can cause devastating bark injuries. Protect trees during driveway work or nearby construction with physical barriers like temporary fencing or wrapped padding. The cost of protection is minimal compared to replacing a mature tree or living with permanent trunk damage.
Inappropriate staking or ties can girdle bark if left in place too long or attached too tightly. Young trees may need staking initially but should have stakes removed after one growing season. Use wide, soft ties that won't cut into bark, and check regularly to ensure ties don't constrict expanding trunks.
The beautiful bark of crepe myrtles transforms these trees from seasonal flowering plants into year-round ornamental features. By understanding the natural exfoliation process, maintaining tree health, and protecting trunks from damage, you preserve one of the most distinctive characteristics of these beloved garden trees. Explore our variety comparison tool to find varieties with outstanding bark characteristics, and give your garden twelve months of beauty rather than just summer colour.