Information On Crepe Myrtle Tree Problems

The most common problems include powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, aphids, Japanese beetles, and sooty mold. More information on successfully growing crape myrtles is available in HGIC 1008, Crape Myrtle, and HGIC 1009, Crape Myrtle Pruning.

How do you know when a crepe myrtle is dying?
How do you revive a crepe myrtle tree?
Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtle turning brown?
How far should a crepe myrtle be from the house?
What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle?
What causes a crepe myrtle to die?
What can kill a crepe myrtle?
What happens if you don't prune a crepe myrtle?
Is Epsom salt good for crape myrtles?
Can you kill a crepe myrtle by pruning?
What is best fertilizer for crepe myrtles?
How often should I water my crepe myrtle?

How do you know when a crepe myrtle is dying?

3 Signs Your Crepe Myrtle Is In Distress

Leaf Spot. Brown spots on the leaves of your crepe myrtle is most likely a fungus known as leaf spot disease. ...
Powdery Residue. White, powdery residue on the leaves and flowers of your tree is most likely mildew. ...
Mold. If you notice the leaves of your crepe myrtle have a sooty residue, you most likely have a mold issue.

How do you revive a crepe myrtle tree?

Reviving Crepe Myrtle After Neglect

Since it is summer now you want it to push some new growth so you can see the tree's strengths. ...
Use a normal tree and shrub fertilizer and apply it a foot or two away from the trunk and close to its source or sources of water.

Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtle turning brown?

If you are seeing brown leaves (or even partially brown leaves) on a crepe myrtle shrub, such as a Natchez crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia x Natchez), at the end of a dry summer, the problem could be due to drought. ... Nonetheless, they do need water, and they may dry up during especially hot summers with little rainfall.

How far should a crepe myrtle be from the house?

As a general rule of thumb, plant crape myrtles of this mature size a minimum of 8 to 10 feet from a building wall, and farther if you can. This spacing gives the plant room to expand to its full size.

What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle?

Crepe myrtles live quite a few years if you take care of them. A crepe myrtle lifespan can exceed 50 years. So that's the answer to the question “how long do crepe myrtle trees live?” They can live a good, long time with suitable care.

What causes a crepe myrtle to die?

Late last summer, rainy weather caused a massive outbreak of Cercospora leaf spot, a fungal disease. It caused the leaves of crape myrtles to turn yellow, orange or red and fall from the tree. Many trees were completely defoliated in late summer. ... Trees weakened last year are being hit again.

What can kill a crepe myrtle?

Glyphosate kills virtually any plant it touches. Herbicides containing glyphosate may be painted on freshly cut stumps or sprayed onto the foliage to kill the crape myrtle. Trim the cut end of older stumps to expose the wood surface before applying glosphate. Spray the foliage and branches of intact crape myrtles.

What happens if you don't prune a crepe myrtle?

Flowers are not the only virtue of this tree. Many varieties have beautiful bark and growth habits that can be enjoyed all year if trees are not heavily pruned. This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended. Once it's done, it ruins the tree's graceful natural shape for the rest of its life.

Is Epsom salt good for crape myrtles?

Crape Myrtles bloom with a dose of Epsom Salts. Two: In order for your Crape Myrtle to bloom you may want to try this cocktail (for the Crape Myrtles, not you) Mixone tablespoon of Epsom Salts into one gallon of water and pour around the roots of the plant. Repeat for the others, using one gallon per plant.

Can you kill a crepe myrtle by pruning?

This unsightly, ugly pruning known as crape murder is not recommended. Once it's done, it ruins the tree's graceful natural shape for the rest of its life. Often gardeners think they are supposed to prune their crape myrtles that way, and nothing could be farther from the truth.

What is best fertilizer for crepe myrtles?

To maximize spring growth and summer bloom, gardeners should fertilize their crape myrtles in early spring just prior to new growth. Fertilizers like 8-8-8, 10-10-10, 12-4-8 or 16-4-8 will work fine and are ideal for crape myrtles but you shouldn't go over board.

How often should I water my crepe myrtle?

Water newly planted crape myrtles at least once a week if dormant and in cool weather, and up to five times a week if planted during hot weather or in very sandy soil. Water new plants regularly for about two months, and water during drought for better blooms and healthier plants.