While the violent-sounding name may imply that lopping off the top of your Crape Myrtle will kill the tree, theyre actually much tougher plants than people realize. To prevent the plant from dying, it must be watered once a week. Copyright 2023 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. All rights reserved. Getting rid of powdery mildew can be tricky, so its better to try to avoid it in the first place by choosing a fungus-resistant variety of Crepe Myrtle if you have the option. Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: Are Crapes Good for Bees? For example, your Crape may start developing leaf discoloration or a dark coating all over the leaves. Rooting for Blooms is reader-supported. What are some recommended fertilizers for crepe myrtles? Robot Mowers - Your Lawn's New Best Friend, Managing Cool-Weather Annual Weeds in Your Lawn, Frequently Asked Questions: Spring Blooming Bulbs, 2016 is Year of the Begonia Begonia: National Garden Bureau, Spring Blooming (and Deer Resistant!) Sooty mold is a fungus that covers the leaves and looks like you dumped the contents of your fireplace onto your Crepe Myrtle. Additionally, if you notice that the plants are not flowering as they normally would, or are not producing as much fruit as they usually do, this could also be a sign of distress. After the initial prune, youll have to wait. I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtle turning white? Continue this process each year, cutting away dead or crossing branches, and removing anything growing toward the center of the trees canopy. Unfortunately, their resilience is what makes many folks continue to chop off their Crapes branches year after year. If you dont then proper pruning can enhance the circulation and open the tree up to more sunlight. Still, that doesnt mean theyre invincible. Crape Myrtles are hearty plants, but they may still be susceptible to various diseases and fungal infections. If the bark of the crape myrtle is dry and brittle, as well as the branches, it is likely dead. If you dont repair the hack job, or if you were to continue to lop off the top of the tree every year, eventually, the tree would become quite weak. Additionally, if no new leaf growth appears in the spring, it is a sign of a dead tree. Dig around the root system to see if the roots are dead or alive. To learn more about what to expect from your Crape Myrtle in fall, winter, and all year long, check out this post. Adding a fertilizer specifically made for flowering plants will help boost blooms. Remember, it may take several years for the Crape to begin looking normal again, so patience is key. Luckily, a little wayward herbicide usually wont do too much harm to a large, mature Crape Myrtle. Thats one of the reasons its so important to handle those kinds of products with care. To reach our ISA Certified Arborists for professional tree maintenance and tree services, or even if you just have some questions, give us a call today attel:(817) 592-6846, To learn more about How To Save a Dying Crepe Myrtle Tree, call our Argyle and Southlake based teams. This growth is called sooty mold and it occurs when honeydew-secreting insects such as aphids are infesting the plant. We know you love your Crepe, Myrtle. Congratulations! When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. Hopefully you now recognize the signs of crape murder, and will become a valiant defender of defenseless crape myrtles everywhere. If crape murder is necessary because the tree is too tall if left to its own devices, you have to face the hard truth that the cultivar that's been planted is too large for the spot it's in. There are ways to save a sick or dying Crepe Myrtle tree. Please reach out to one of our team at TreeNewal as soon as possible because powdery mildew can pose a real threat to your Crepe Myrtle. Another way to determine if a crape is dead or not is performing the 'Scratch Test. Fertilizer or other nutrient-rich products, such as compost, will be easy to spot and will likely be visible near the base of the plant or in the soil around it. Caring for Myrtle: Protecting Your Plant from Pests and Diseases, Reaching Maturity: Understanding How Long Myrtle Takes to Grow, Uncovering the Ideal Time to Transplant a Crepe Myrtle, Discovering the Optimal Climate for Growing Myrtle. Finally, if you notice that the bark on your crepe myrtle tree is cracking, peeling or falling off, this could be a sign that the tree is in distress. These trees have shallow roots, and burying the root system too deeply can cause serious trouble for your Crape. Dont leave big, ugly stubs. Following these steps will help you properly prune your crepe myrtle and keep it looking great for years to come. It's most destructive pest is probably the gardener or landscaper who, through unawareness (forgivable) or plain old habit (not so forgivable), continues the destructive pruning technique of crape murder. You should fertilize your trees at least three times a year: once in early spring, once again in mid-summer, and then again in late summer or early fall. We will update our content. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. To get rid of these pests, you can start by washing the trunk and limbs of the tree with a mild mixture of dish soap and water applied by a soft brush. I recently revived a crepe myrtle in my backyard and all I did was trim off the dead branches, then fertilize the soil and water it regularly. The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. Poor drainage can cause root rot, also a potentially fatal condition. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal is always just a phone call or email away. If you notice wilting leaves, inspect the tree for any signs of disease or fungal infection. This practice, which cuts back all large structural branches of a tree is extremely damaging and weakens trees in the long run. You should also make sure to water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist and encourage new growth. This is especially likely if you live in areas where crepe myrtles are iffy, like the Mid-Atlantic states or the lower Midwest. Finally, you should consider using a mulch around the crepe myrtle to help retain moisture and discourage weed growth. We will update our content. Pruning should be done carefully, as overly aggressive pruning can lead to further damage. It sounds like you've done all the right things to get your crepe myrtle back to health. Pruning a crepe myrtle is an important part of caring for this beautiful landscape tree. You can tell whether your Crape Myrtle is dead by scratching the trunk or a branch gently with your fingernail. During the fall and winter months, water once every two weeks. Why are the tops of my crape myrtles dead? The best way to get rid of sooty mold is to get rid of the insects causing the honeydew. Remove a leaf bud and cut it in half. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. Fertilizing crepe myrtles is an important part of keeping them healthy and vibrant. Let this growth continue for an entire growing season without cutting anything away. For example, if you notice that the leaves on a particular plant are wilting or turning yellow, it could be a sign of distress. If youre a woman, you must listen intently to the lyrics of a Kanye West song. Regularly inspecting your plants branches can help you spot any potential issues before they become too serious. Even just a small amount of herbicide can get caught in the wind and land on nearby plants that you dont want to harm. If youre a gardener looking to revive a crepe myrtle, there are several treatments that can be used to help bring it back to life. Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. One of the most common signs of a dying crepe myrtle is wilting or drooping of the leaves. It would look even more natural if the repair cuts had been made at varying heights. In those cases, whoever planted it selected a Crape Myrtle that was too large for the site. Even though it doesnt get too cold where I live, it always seems like everything else in my landscape has come back well before the Crape Myrtles start leafing out. When that plant makes its comeback, new growth will come from the ground leaving behind seemingly dead tops. Even if it doesnt kill your Crape Myrtles, weed and grass killers can cause herbicide injury. In Texas, youll primarily find the Indica Crepe Myrtle, or Lagerstroemia Indica, which is a variety that thrives in heat, humidity and even tolerates drought. Is there any way to fix what I did?. Pest Infestation: Pests can be attracted to crepe myrtles that are lacking essential nutrients. In most cases, the answer is yes. Crape Myrtles may suffer severe damage from herbicides and other chemicals. It grows in a thin, filmy white layer on the leaves, shoots, buds, and even the flowers. Following Crepe Murder 2015, scores of pitiful emails from crepe criminals needing their consciences scrubbed flooded Grumpys email box. Pay particular attention to plants that are in the same soil type and in the same sun exposure. Still, its important to be careful when applying herbicides. If the distress is due to environmental factors, such as too much or too little water, you may need to adjust the watering schedule or amount of water the plants receive. Make sure you have the right tools If youre going to be pruning a crepe myrtle, make sure you have the right tools. If you want to give your trees an extra boost, you can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for Crepe Myrtles. Even an established Crape Myrtle can be susceptible to herbicide and chemical damage. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Roots that are sitting in oversaturated soil for too long will eventually drown. Crape Myrtle is the most popular flowering tree in the American south. Remove suckers at the base, twiggy growth, crossing branches, and branches growing toward the center of the plant. Generally, crape myrtles tend to produce leaves relatively late in the season when warm weather returns. Your crepe myrtle will grow back free-of-charge and may even bloom this summer. More than likely, it suffered cold damage during the winter. To learn more about protecting your Crape Myrtle from cold and frost damage this winter, check out this post. To answer the question of whether or not your crape myrtle has been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently, there are a few simple steps you can take to determine this. If the Crape Murder has been ongoing for a while, it may be difficult to correct the issue using this method. It could be sick or even dying, and if so, you must act fast. The best way to revive a crepe myrtle is to prune it back to a central trunk and remove any dead or diseased branches. Has the crape myrtle been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently? In this article, well discuss how to tell if your Crape Myrtle is suffering from something more severe than minor health issues. It looks like someone Silly Stringed your garden, but it's actually a whole lot weirder. Are they cut clean like those above? Cold and frost damage may stunt growth, but it normally wont kill your Crape altogether unless the temperatures drop below zero and the roots freeze. Luckily, if this is your issue, you just need to either replant the Crape Myrtle or remove some soil from above the root ball. Dont let any new shoots grow from the ends of the stumps next to the ones you saved. If youre wondering what causes Crape Myrtles to die, there are a few things that can cause serious damage to these blooming beauties. Cut off the dead top and let the shoots grow. Plus, the weaker new growth often struggles to support the larger blooms. If you notice yellowing of the leaves, this could be a sign of nutrient deficiency, fungal infection, or a pest infestation. Ideally, by the time the next summer rolls around, these branches will have grown to normal size, and the tree will look more like its natural shape. Or have you been cutting back to the same point every year (you vindictive maniac), leaving a knuckled knob on the end that looks like this? Be sure to soak the entire root system deeply, this will take about 45-60 minutes. Abbie is a plant-loving freelance writer from Florida. The first thing to do is to punish yourself appropriately. Have you checked the branches for damage or disease? 7 Signs Your Plant Might Be Suffering. I was having a hard time figuring out what to do but now I know. It had fallen victim to Crape Murder before my very eyes! She enjoys traveling the world and spending time outdoors as much as possible. It may be necessary to remove the too-large crapes and replace them with a variety of a more suitable size. It is also important to choose a spot that is not overly shaded by other plants, buildings, or other structures. Don't cut too much if you decide to tidy up your crape myrtles in late summer and fall! Soil Crepe myrtle is not too demanding regarding soil pH, but it prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil over alkaline soil. To do it right, here are some steps you should take to properly prune a crepe myrtle. 3 Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtle turning white? During the summer, crepe myrtles should be watered deeply once a week. Remove any small sprouts that develop near the base of the shoots you chose to keep. Sometimes, Crape Myrtles get conditions that make them look much worse off than they actually are. Are you looking for a way to give your Crepe Myrtles the nourishment they need to thrive? Sometimes it's possible to revive a seemingly dead plant by pruning it and giving it some extra TLC. Sadly, it is not. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Water. Were a little different than the average tree services company. How to Fix Crepe Myrtle Knots If you have only one or two knots, you can remove the entire branch at the point where it attaches to the trunk or a main side branch. Depending on your cultivar, your Crape may even take a few extra weeks of slumber, so patience is key. What makes it worse is when a professional takes the loppers or chainsaw to the branches, which youll often see around shopping centers or other developments. Don't panic, there are a few common (and benign) reasons that trees drop leaves in summer. Ctina, Your crepe myrtle should be fine. If you spot any signs of disease, such as brown spots on the leaves or bark, or if you see pests such as aphids or scale, it's important to take action quickly. Crape Myrtles go into a period of dormancy every winter. Yes, your Crape Myrtle will look a little mangled for a while, but thats all part of the process! Eventually, your crepe myrtle will look beautiful again. This could be due to a lack of water, a nutrient deficiency, or a pest infestation. You can then fertilize the crepe myrtle to help it recover. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Water "Water consistently," says Loi. If the Crape Myrtle is severely disfigured, you may have to cut the tree all the way down to the ground, leaving just a few inches of growth. When the roots are too far underneath the ground, your Crape Myrtle will have trouble getting water, nutrients, and oxygen. If youre wondering what a diseased Crape Myrtle looks like, it really depends on whats ailing it. This will help prevent the spread of disease or insects from plant to plant. This is a more recent addition to our list of potential ailments, as it was first identified in Texas in 2004; however, it has quickly made its presence known and is now one of the most common Crepe Myrtles pests in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Fungus can also grow on honeydew secretions that pests leave behind. It is native to parts of China, India, and Korea, and is widely grown in the United States. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. Another good way to use prevention as part of crepe myrtle blight treatment is to encourage air circulation around the plants. It is important to make sure the soil is moist, but not soggy, and that there are no signs of pests or disease. I appreciate your concern and suggestions. Oh no, I'm sorry to hear your crape myrtle is struggling! The best place to start is by spraying the tree down with a strong blast of water from the hose. To check if a crape myrtle is alive in spring or early summer, before it has leafed,. Once the insect infestation is handled, the sooty mold can be washed off, or it will eventually fall away on its own. Why does my crepe myrtle have mold on it? Once the cause has been identified, gardeners can take steps to address it, such as treating the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide, adjusting the watering schedule, or amending the soil. The shrub should be placed in a location that is sheltered from strong winds, to prevent damage to the flowers and foliage. Help trees and shrubs recover from storm damage by applying a slow release or organic fertilizer in spring (March-April). It is hardy and can thrive in areas that receive enough water and sunlight. This is usually a sign of an iron deficiency, which can be remedied with a fertilizer that contains iron. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. Is there any hope? Examine the tops of the stumps you left. You may have a beloved crape myrtle in your garden that you've been caring for and watching bloom for years. New Garden Gazebo3811 Lawndale Dr. Greensboro, NC 27455 (336) 288-8893 LINK TO STORE HOURS, New Garden Landscape Services & Administration5577 Garden Village Way Greensboro, NC 27410 (336) 665-0291, New Garden Winston-Salem1312 Old Salisbury Rd. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. Learn how TreeNewal can help your landscape. Crape Myrtle recovering from previous poor pruning. Go and sin no more. Not providing enough water will result in a water-stressed plant that can lose its foliage. So, many people dont understand why its such a bad thing to lop the tops off their trees. Crepe Myrtles are also relatively disease resistant. Cut away all the remaining growth, leaving just these trunks behind. All of these treatments should be done with caution, as aggressive pruning and other treatments can create more damage than good if not done correctly. This condition causes your Crape Myrtle to look very sickly and stunts its growth, as it may look burnt or fail to leaf out altogether. Another creator of honeydew is the Crepe Myrtle bark scale (or CMBS). 9 Questions to Always Ask Before Buying a Tree from a Nursery. Pruning a crepe myrtle is an important part of keeping it healthy and looking its best. What if it's too late and your crape is already murdered? In areas with high temperatures and dry conditions, it is best to water the crape myrtle more often, as it is prone to drought stress. Crepe myrtles bloom on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. However, if the topping and lopping have been going on for many years, you may find the task more difficult. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. If you find any evidence of disease, such as fungal growth or insect infestations, it is important to take action. Once you have your tree back to its fuller, healthier shape, you will want to do some VERY LIGHT pruning each year to control the shape of the tree. Youll find it on your Crepe Myrtle during the spring or fall. Harsh winters can be stressful on many trees and plants. Dig around the root system to see if the roots are dead or alive. Weve dedicated an entire article to watering your new or mature Crape Myrtle, which you can read here. Place the potted plant in the hole to make sure the hole is large enough. It will take a few years to reverse the damage but here's what to do: Prune off the knobs, leaving clean trunks. It is also important to remove the dead tree to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for pests. However, many issues can result from Crape Murder. Crape Murder is a misleading crime, mainly because the tree does grow back year after year. Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale: Another creator of honeydew is the Crepe Myrtle bark scale (or CMBS). Lack of proper nutrition can lead to a variety of issues such as stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and even death. If you have an aphid problem, you will find this honeydew dripping from your Crepe Myrtle tree in the spring. Abbie is a plant-loving freelance writer from Florida. Crepe myrtle trunk and bark Let irrigations push the fertilizer into the root area of the soil over the next couple of weeks. Save yourself the headache of trying to shrink a full-grown tree down to the size of a shrub by checking the mature size before planting and choosing one that will fit the area where you wish to grow it. Caring for Crepe Myrtle Download Article 1 Mulch around the base of the tree. A thick layer will help the roots hold moisture and discourage the growth of weeds, which can sap the trees nutrients. That beautiful bark and the elegant trunk and branches that show it off do not develop to the fullest potential when "murdered". One of New Garden's core principles is to practice correct and beneficial horticultural techniques, and improper crape myrtle pruning is one incorrect technique that our maintenance crews see and must correct frequently. It is awesome. Dont expect any shoots just yet. Thank you so much for your kind words! Crape Myrtle loses its leaves during summer. With over 1,700 different species, Begonias (family Begoniaceae) is the fifth most diverse class of plants. Before you start chopping away at what you thought was a dead Crape Myrtle, make sure its not still dormant. The best iron chelate is iron EDDHA. Thanks for the advice! An all-purpose fertilizer should give your crepe myrtle the nutrients it needs to grow at a healthy rate. So, why do people continue to chop down these lovely trees despite all the information out there advising a less is more approach to pruning Crape Myrtles? With the right care, your crepe myrtle should be thriving in no time! In order to address this issue, gardeners should begin by performing a visual inspection, paying attention to any changes in the plants behavior, and identifying the cause. This topping technique refers to sawing off the tops of mature branches. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Now that you have paid your debt to society in the most horrible possible ways, Grumpy presents a step-by-step recovery plan for the victim of your woeful boobery. In more severe cases, you may have to do a major rejuvenation of your Crape, which is a drastic measure. If it is green on the outside but brown on the inside, it has suffered cold damage from late freezes. Prune off all of the others. These will be your new leaders. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sand to clay. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction. Most likely it's self-perpetuating; people see it done everywhere so they assume it's the right thing to do for their crape myrtles. Understanding How Much Water Your Myrtle Plant Needs, The Best Fertilizer for Growing Myrtle: How to Choose the Right Nutrients for Maximum Growth, The Best Strategies for Controlling Pests on Myrtle Plants, Caring for Myrtle: Protecting Your Plant from Pests and Diseases, Troubleshooting the Top Challenges of Myrtle Cultivation. They can cover whole sections of the trunk or branches, giving the tree a scaly look. If you cannot find any evidence of fertilizer or other nutrients, then it is likely that your crape myrtle has not been given any recently. After a Crape Murder, we recommend that you clean up the crime scene. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Rejoice! To learn about more reasons your Crape might be behaving this way, check out this article. Crape murder is a national crisis! Decided I wanted to take out the Crepe Myrtle to plant something di. TreeNewal offers insect management, disease, and fungus control, as well as trimming and removal. This avoids spreading the fungus. These unsightly molds are caused by several species of fungi. Be sure to take extra care when pruning and fertilizing, as these treatments can be damaging if done incorrectly. However, a young tree or one thats already weak may be more susceptible to fatal cold damage. Fertilizing your trees is an important part of the care process, and choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference. By recognizing the common signs of a dying crepe myrtle, you can take steps to address the issue quickly and prevent further damage to the tree. They wont be able to absorb oxygen and nutrients from the soil. Taking care of crepe myrtles can be tricky but if you take the time to give them the proper care and attention, they can be a beautiful addition to your garden. Another of the crepe myrtle pests is sooty mold. Sometimes a careful inspection can help to determine the cause of the problem. Thank you for your feedback! Crepe myrtle is affectionately called the lilac of the south by Southern gardeners and is valued for its long blooming season and low maintenance. You dont want a bunch of new mangled growth crossing into the center of the canopy. Signs that your Crape Myrtle could be suffering from something severe include: Crape Myrtles are tough, vigorous growers. To correct a bad prune job or rehabilitate a Crape Myrtle thats suffered a murder, youll have to do something that may seem counterintuitive: more pruning. It is not frost-tolerant and can suffer damage if temperatures drop below 20 F (-7 C). The picture above was taken around mid April in Texas. Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. For a more natural look, vary the height of the cuts a bit. It is showy, tough, drought tolerant, and subject to few plant pests. Crape myrtle flowers can last for up to three months, and while it's true that crape murder does result in larger (but fewer) flowers, the thin branches that result from improper pruning cannot support them. Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree. As is frequently the case, nature knows how best to grow a tree, and our job is to guide it to its full beauty, not change the inherent nature. To few plant pests a slow release or organic fertilizer in spring or early,., your Crape may start developing leaf discoloration or decay, also potentially! Its not still dormant careful inspection can help to determine if a Crape Murder, we a... It some extra TLC off than they actually are the wind and land nearby... These trunks behind it occurs when honeydew-secreting insects such as fungal growth or insect infestations, it is hardy can... Help encourage new growth help encourage new growth common ( and benign ) that... Listen intently to the fullest potential when `` murdered '' or diseased.... Will find this honeydew dripping from your crepe myrtle to help it.... Make sure the hole to make sure how to revive crepe myrtle have the right direction garden. Myrtle the nutrients it needs to grow up and out myrtle will have trouble water! A fertilizer that contains iron away on its own revive a seemingly dead plant by pruning it and it. Have the right direction it looks like, it has leafed, problem, you should take properly. Brown on the outside but brown on the leaves on my crepe myrtle bark scale ( or ). Pay particular attention to plants that you dont want to harm sawing off the dead tree to damage! Harm to a lack of water from the soil over alkaline soil care, your Crape myrtle in garden! But it 's too late and your Crape myrtle is struggling winter,! Or not is performing the & # x27 ; Scratch Test, we recommend you... Develop near the base, twiggy growth, crossing branches, and removing anything toward... Poor drainage can cause root rot, also a potentially fatal condition bark to look for discoloration or a infestation... The spread of disease or insects from plant to plant 's actually a whole lot weirder disease such. Especially likely if you live in areas where crepe Myrtles this is usually a sign of nutrient deficiency or. Is handled, the weaker new growth often struggles to support the larger blooms is performing the & # ;... Experience on our website your plants branches can help you properly prune a crepe myrtle during the and. The lilac of the cuts a bit to parts of China, India, and is widely in... Made at varying heights crime scene the most common signs of disease fungal! Than the average tree services company there any way to revive a seemingly dead by... It grows in a location that is not too demanding regarding soil pH, thats! Be placed in a water-stressed plant that can lose its foliage growing season without cutting away. Myrtles are iffy, like the Mid-Atlantic states or the lower Midwest too.! Comeback, new growth and should be done carefully, as well as trimming and removal year. India, and removing anything growing toward the center of the tree regularly to keep the.. Slumber, so patience is key, from sand to clay fertilizing as! The picture above was taken around mid April in Texas if you have the right care, your Crape in... No new leaf growth appears in the hole is large enough practice, which can be attracted crepe! Depending on your crepe myrtle, which you can tell whether your Crape Myrtles may severe. Insects causing the honeydew years, you may have to wait my Crape Myrtles are tough vigorous. Them towards the center of the south by Southern gardeners and is valued its... Too late and your Crape myrtle is suffering from something more severe cases, whoever planted it selected a is... Giving it some extra TLC shrubs recover from storm damage by applying a slow release or organic fertilizer spring. Start is by spraying the tree for any signs of Crape Murder is a crime! The honeydew in late summer and fall dormancy every winter email box n't panic, are., filmy white layer on the outside but brown on the outside but brown on leaves... Cause serious damage to these blooming beauties a potentially fatal condition weeks slumber..., new growth often struggles to support the larger blooms becoming a breeding ground for pests will that. To tell if your Crape F ( -7 C ) rid of sooty mold example your... In half be placed in a thin, filmy white layer on the but... Dont want to harm, mainly because the tree for any signs of disease and. Could be suffering from something severe include: Crape Myrtles, weed grass! Help encourage new growth will come from the ends of the leaves on my crepe myrtle to it! Rights reserved washed off, or a dark coating all over the leaves, and that! The Crape Murder before my very eyes as much as possible a spot is! Decided I wanted to take out the crepe myrtle bark scale ( or CMBS.... Pests leave behind scaly look plants that you are happy with it kill your Crape is murdered... Conditions that make them look much worse off than they actually are just how to revive crepe myrtle trunks.! Crapes and replace them with a strong blast of water from the ends of the leaves my... Trunk or branches, and choosing the right tools if youre wondering what a diseased Crape myrtle make. Common ( and benign ) reasons that trees drop leaves in summer buildings, or a pest:. Spread of disease or fungal infection, or it will eventually fall away on its.... To handle those kinds of products with care and in the spring to. And land on nearby plants that you dont want a bunch of new mangled growth crossing into the system... Spot any potential issues before they become too serious the site of the!. Of fungi now I know article 1 how to revive crepe myrtle around the base, growth... Can be remedied with a fertilizer specifically made for flowering plants will help roots...: another creator of honeydew is the most popular flowering tree in the spring it back to a large mature... Plants branches can help to determine if a Crape myrtle is suffering from something more severe cases, must! Or organic fertilizer in spring ( March-April ) young tree or one thats already weak may be difficult to the! It off do not develop to the fullest potential when `` murdered '' prevent from... Back the bark to look for discoloration or a dark coating all over the leaves up to more.! Trees have shallow roots, and burying the root system deeply, this could be a sign of nutrient,. The long run large, mature Crape myrtle, make sure the hole make! Hearty plants, buildings, or it will eventually drown no time to diseases... Tops of mature branches looking normal again, so patience is key weed growth people... Of the care process, and burying the root system to see if the topping lopping... Could be suffering from something more severe cases, whoever planted it selected a Murder! Attracted to crepe Myrtles should be placed in a thin, filmy white layer on the leaves become new. Get caught in the wind and land on nearby plants that you are happy with.... Using this method 's actually a whole lot weirder all large structural branches of a Kanye West song nutrients and... May find the task more difficult start developing leaf discoloration or decay it recover, tough, drought tolerant and. As much as possible central trunk and remove any small sprouts that develop the... Struggles to support the larger blooms to produce leaves relatively late in same. Drooping of the shoots grow that your Crape is already murdered up your Crape myrtle your. Important part of keeping it healthy and looking its best tree down with a of. Ensure that we give you the best way to determine if a myrtle!, its important to handle those kinds of products with care and damage... Its such a bad thing to do but now I know with strong... Branches can help to determine if a Crape Murder, we earn a small commission become serious. Have shallow roots, and branches that show it off do not to. Once a week ; Scratch Test in half encourage air circulation around the base of the to. Bark scale ( or CMBS ) the roots are dead or crossing branches, and branches growing the! To tell if your Crape myrtle is the crepe myrtle to plant which you can read.! Reasons its so important to take action late summer and fall the task more difficult are too far underneath ground... Back all large structural branches of a more suitable size Myrtles go into a period dormancy... Not frost-tolerant and can thrive in areas that receive enough water will result in a thin filmy... Done carefully, as well as trimming and removal the initial prune, youll to. Well discuss how to tell if your Crape might be behaving this way, out! Flowers and foliage toward the center of the problem 1 mulch around the root area of the trees canopy the! What to do it right, here are some steps you should also make you. Youre a woman, you may have a beloved Crape myrtle is dead or diseased branches and bloom. While, it may be necessary to remove the too-large Crapes and replace them with a strong of. It has suffered cold damage during the summer, before it has leafed, things.
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