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.

1. How do you know when a crepe myrtle is dying?
2. How do you revive a crepe myrtle tree?
3. How do you treat crepe myrtle fungus?
4. What are the tiny white bugs on my crepe myrtle?
5. What happens if you don't prune crepe myrtles?
6. What is the lifespan of a crepe myrtle?
7. Why would a crepe myrtle die?
8. What is the best fertilizer for crepe myrtle trees?
9. What kills crepe myrtle?
10. What is the best fungicide for powdery mildew?
11. Does vinegar kill powdery mildew?
12. Will powdery mildew go away on its own?
13. What can I spray on my crepe myrtle for bugs?
14. How do I get rid of spider mites on my crepe myrtle?
15. How do you get rid of bark scale on crepe myrtles?
16. What month do you prune crepe myrtle trees?
17. Are you supposed to cut back crepe myrtles?
18. Should you trim crepe myrtles every year?
19. What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?
20. Do crepe myrtle trees have invasive roots?
21. Is crepe myrtle poisonous to dogs?

How do you know when a crepe myrtle is dying?

Using Scratch Test to determine a Dead Crape Myrtle

Scratch the lower base of the stem and if it's green it is still alive. If it's not, it may still be alive, but you'll have to wait awhile before you know for sure. A really cold winter may have of killed the top growth, but the roots may still be alive.

How do you revive a crepe myrtle tree?

Reviving Crepe Myrtle After Neglect

1. Since it is summer now you want it to push some new growth so you can see the tree's strengths. ...
2. 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 do you treat crepe myrtle fungus?

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 10 days during wet weather.

What are the tiny white bugs on my crepe myrtle?

CMBS is a scale insect that attaches itself to the bark on crape myrtle trees. It is often white and fuzzy, and can have a pink discharge when squished. ... With all of these insects on the bark, their waste, called honeydew, is a sweet, sticky liquid that sooty mold will quickly grow on, causing the trees to turn black.

What happens if you don't prune crepe myrtles?

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.

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.

Why would a crepe myrtle 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.

What is the best fertilizer for crepe myrtle trees?

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.

What kills crepe myrtle?

Triclopyr. Triclopyr-based herbicides cause supressed or abnormal growth that disrupts and eventually kills the crape myrtle. The herbicide may be applied to the foliage, the roots, or both. As with other broadleaf herbicides, crape myrtle trees absorb the poison and circulate it, causing the tree to die.

What is the best fungicide for powdery mildew?

The Best Fungicides for Getting Rid of Powdery Mildew, Snow Mold, Grass and Lawn Fungi

1. Bonide 811 Copper 4E Fungicide. ...
2. Spectracide 51000-1 Immunox Fungicide. ...
3. Serenade Garden AGRSER32 Organic Fungicide. ...
4. Scotts DiseaseEx Lawn Fungicide.

Does vinegar kill powdery mildew?

Potassium bicarbonate is a contact fungicide which kills the powdery mildew spores quickly. ... Vinegar – Similar to mouthwash, the acetic acid of vinegar can control powdery mildew. A mixture of 2-3 tablespoons of common apple cider vinegar, containing 5% acetic acid mixed with a gallon of water does job.

Will powdery mildew go away on its own?

The Basics of Powdery Mildew

They need the plant's nutrients to survive. And unlike most types of fungi, they cause more severe cases of disease in warm, dry weather. A mild case may go away on its own.

What can I spray on my crepe myrtle for bugs?

If it is determined to be absolutely necessary, various insecticides are labeled for use by homeowners against aphids on crape myrtles. These include insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, pyrethrins, neem oil, permethrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, acephate, or malathion.

How do I get rid of spider mites on my crepe myrtle?

Sprays. Heavy spider mite populations damage myrtle foliage and spread to nearby plants. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, sprayed on the pests and over the plant, kills the pests on contact. They can be used through the growing season and are also effective on other crape myrtle pests such as thrips and aphids.

How do you get rid of bark scale on crepe myrtles?

How do I treat for crape myrtle bark scale? Systemic insecticides work very well to control the bark scale, but the timing is most effective when applied in late winter/early spring. If you are just now spotting the problem, you can clean off the trunk with warm, soapy water to remove the black sooty mold.

What month do you prune crepe myrtle trees?

When is the best time to trim or cut back crepe myrtles? Early spring before new growth is the best time to prune crape myrtles. Whenever you prune, you cause the tree to generate new growth. New growth that starts now will not have time to harden off before frost.

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.

Should you trim crepe myrtles every year?

Growing Conditions

Also, crepe myrtles need minimal pruning. Some gardeners top them annually, but this ruins their natural shape and beauty. ... Only prune to shape trees or to take out any cross branching. In the winter, you can remove old seedpods by clipping the tips of branches.

What is the difference between a crepe myrtle bush and a crepe myrtle tree?

What's the difference between a crape myrtle tree and a crape myrtle bush? The only difference is the mature size. ... The best way to identify a specific variety or species of crepe myrtle is to note all its characteristics, including mature size, flower color, fall color, growth habit (tree or shrub) and bark color.

Do crepe myrtle trees have invasive roots?

Crepe Myrtle Root System: Are Crepe Myrtle Roots Invasive

Crepe myrtle trees are lovely, delicate trees offering bright, spectacular flowers in the summer and beautiful fall color when the weather begins to chill. ... You don't have to worry about this issue because crepe myrtle tree roots are not invasive.

Is crepe myrtle poisonous to dogs?

Many beautiful plants contain toxins that present a danger to puppies and other animals. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that crepe myrtle is perfectly safe and non-toxic for animals, as well as humans.