The Acoma Crape Myrtle should be pruned in early spring before new growth begins. Here are the steps to follow: 1. Remove any dead or diseased wood. Cut it back to where you see healthy wood. 2. Thin out any crossing branches or branches that are growing inward towards the center of the plant. This allows for better air circulation and light penetration into the canopy. 3. Suckers, or small shoots arising from the base of the plant, should be removed completely. 4. To shape the plant, remove any branches that stick out beyond the desired outline of the plant. 5. Cut branches back to just above a lateral bud or a healthy shoot. Avoid making a cut in the middle of a branch where no new growth exists. 6. Do not remove more than 30% of the plant in any one pruning session. 7. Finally, clean up any debris under the plant and dispose of it properly.