That peeling bark is normal; in fact, it's one of the most prized qualities of our favorite tree! As all Crepe Myrtles grow and mature, they shed last year's bark, revealing a colorful, mottled bark beneath. Once the tree has reached full maturity, several years after planting... you are in for a real show.
- Why is my crepe myrtle shedding bark?
- How often do crepe myrtles shed their bark?
- How do I get rid of crepe myrtle bark scale?
- How do you know when a crepe myrtle is dying?
- Are you supposed to cut back crepe myrtles?
- How do you revive a crepe myrtle tree?
- How long do crepe myrtles live?
- Do wax myrtles shed?
- Are crepe myrtles messy?
- Can Bark scale kill a crape myrtle?
- What is the best fungicide for crepe myrtles?
- What is the white stuff on my crepe myrtle?
Why is my crepe myrtle shedding bark?
Crepe Myrtle Bark Shedding – A Perfectly Normal Process
It occurs after the tree has reached full maturity, which may be a several years after you plant it. Crepe myrtle bark shedding is a normal process to these trees. They are often prized because of the coloration that shows up on their wood once the bark is shed.
How often do crepe myrtles shed their bark?
As all crepe myrtles grow, they shed last year's bark in summer, often revealing colorful, mottled bark beneath.
How do I get rid of crepe myrtle bark scale?
Washing crepe myrtles should only be a compliment to the insecticide soil drench and not the only means for controlling the bark scale. Hand washing or pressure washing can remove the adult female, eggs clusters, and buildup of the black sooty mold enhancing the aesthetics of the tree. If washing by hand, add 1-2 oz.
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.
Are you supposed to cut back crepe myrtles?
If you do choose to prune your crepe myrtles, pruning should take place in mid-February to avoid winter injury. Pruning should be done only to shape the tree; not to severely control plant height. ... The seed heads from last year can remain on the plant all year, and you will still get good blooming in the current year.
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.
How long do crepe myrtles live?
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.
Do wax myrtles shed?
Our Wax Myrtle bushes tend to lose all their foliage during the Winter months and each year seem to flesh out their leaves less with each passing Spring. Click to see full answer.
Are crepe myrtles messy?
Crape myrtles also require pruning to promote the new growth needed for blooming, to reveal the bark, and to keep the shrub or tree tidy. Moreover, with its flowers, leaves and peeling bark, crape myrtles can be messy to care for. Be prepared for plenty of raking and clean-up.
Can Bark scale kill a crape myrtle?
Crapemyrtles suffer aesthetic damage because of the CMBS infestations. These bark scales may not kill the plants, but there may likely be a reduction in plant vigor, number of flowers, and flower cluster size. Infested plants typically leaf out later than healthy plants.
What is the best fungicide for crepe myrtles?
Spray the infected crepe myrtle trees with copper fungicide or lime sulfur fungicide. Start spraying when the leaf tip symptoms first show up, then repeat every ten days during wet weather.
What is the white stuff on my crepe myrtle?
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is one of the most common problems of crape myrtle, and it is caused by the fungus Erysiphe lagerstroemiae. Patches of white to grayish powdery growth occur on the surfaces of leaves, flowers, and new shoots. Heavily infected flowers may fail to open.
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