TommyMacLuckie

I do it periodically for various people etc. Any inner crossing branches remove. Remove any branches entirely that are hanging lower than they need to be but only in regards to allowing more light in for other plants. Otherwise it's fine.

Never cut them down to half the trunk (or any part unless you are completely starting over, then it's all the way to the ground) - you see people hat rack crape myrtles and nothing else (no other trees). You know why? Because they grampies did it and they neighbors did it and they friends did it and here is the other part - all of they be stoopid! "It helps 'em bloom bettah" they say.

Ha ha. It's ignorance. Also known as 'common knowledge'.

Some of the prettiest crape myrtles you'll see are in the French Quarter. Regardless of any proper inner-crossing branches being pruned, they have been ignored and resemble something out of Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit or Star Wars.

Pruning ends of the branches off is fine if you are really really bored, as well as reducing weight. But always attempt to leave the thickest cane/branch.