As an Arborist, I unfortunately deal with “crape murder” on a routine basis. I doubt this will pose a safety hazard in Crape Myrtles like it would in other species. However, it is aesthetically damaging and unnecessary. Crape Myrtles can be managed to almost any size with proper pruning. The fine does seem a bit severe for an ornamental tree. The article states that the tree was pruned beyond repair. I have had many experiences where Crape Myrtles, that were repeatedly topped, were able to be repaired by cutting them to the ground and allowing them to resprout. In the following season the the sprouts are thinned to 4-5 dominate stems. Within one year of cutting them down we have a brand new 7 foot Crape Myrtle that can be managed to the proper size in the future.
