INPUT ARTICLE: Article: During the winter, crepe myrtles are leafless, making it easy to see all of their branches. Early spring is the latest you should prune, as after this period, they begin sending out new leaves and branches. Pruning helps remove the stray branches that can pose danger and cause injury when you cut down your tree. Prune prior to leaf appearance or at the beginning of their growth period to make the process more straightforward and reduce clean-up time. The latest you should prune is May. Your pruning tools will depend on the size of your tree and the branches that need removing. The most common tools are hand pruners, loppers, and pole pruners. Use hand pruners to clip twigs and branches thinner than 0.5 inch (1.3cm) thick. Cut branches 0.5 to 1.5 inches (1.3 to 3.8cm) thick using loppers. Remove branches more than 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8cm) thick with pole pruners or a saw. Start by removing the small sprouts at the bottom of the tree, also known as "suckers." They can be removed using a hand pruner when they first sprout. Prune suckers as close to the soil line as possible. Remove side branches extending from the main trunks, moving up higher as you prune. When the tree falls, these are the most likely to snap off and cause harm. They're also much easier to get rid of while the tree is still standing, as opposed to when it's on the ground. Cut crossing, rubbing, and dead branches that grow at awkward angles last. Use hand pruners for the thin branches and loppers, and use pole pruners or a saw for thicker, taller branches.

SUMMARY: Prune your crepe myrtle in the winter or early spring. Purchase the necessary pruning tools. Cut the suckers at the bottom of the tree. Cut side branches that extend from the base of the tree's trunks.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Keep it simple.

SUMMARY:
Wear sneakers.