There are some common issues with Crepe Myrtle trees to be on the lookout for: Physical Damage, Late Leafing or No Blooms: Due to their thin bark, Crepe Myrtles are susceptible to damage by landscaping equipment. If you do find signs of damage or disease, make sure to take action quickly to prevent the spread of the infection. Crape Myrtles dont usually die after severe pruning, but they never grow to their full potential or look as beautiful as they would be otherwise. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. We are sorry. Knowing the common signs of a dying crepe myrtle can help you address the issue quickly and prevent further damage to the tree. Anything less and you will notice a big fall off on blossoms. I'll try pruning it back and see if it helps. Poor drainage can cause root rot, also a potentially fatal condition. How often should I water my crepe myrtle? Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree. By taking the time to inspect your crape myrtle and its surrounding environment, you can quickly determine if it has been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently. The goal is to keep the new growth neat and maintained. And your crape looks great! Your crepe myrtle will grow back free-of-charge and may even bloom this summer. Rest easy-in most cases you can repair previous poor pruning. Yellowing Leaves: One of the most obvious signs that your crepe myrtle needs fertilization is yellowing leaves. But how do you know when your crepe myrtle needs fertilization? Make sure the blades are sharp as this will help make a cleaner cut, which is important for a healthy plant. Sooty mold is a fungus that covers the leaves and looks like you dumped the contents of your fireplace onto your Crepe Myrtle. Depending on your cultivar, your Crape may even take a few extra weeks of slumber, so patience is key. Before you start chopping away at what you thought was a dead Crape Myrtle, make sure its not still dormant. Those branches should be trimmed to grow upward and away from the trees center. Proper care and maintenance are the best ways to ensure your crape myrtle stays healthy. Crape Myrtle aphids and bark scale insects are the typical culprits in those cases. Rejoice! If you are one of them, you may be wondering if there are any other plants in the vicinity that are also showing signs of distress. Crape Murder is a misleading crime, mainly because the tree does grow back year after year. Or, if youre like me and found that your landscaper committed a vicious attack on your Crape, all hope is not lost. A well pruned crape myrtle should not look like it has been "pruned" at all. Back in the day when we didnt have resistant selections, powdery mildew was the #1 complaint people had about crepe myrtles. For example, your Crape may start developing leaf discoloration or a dark coating all over the leaves. 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. Check for dead or broken branches on the shrub. Another good way to use prevention as part of crepe myrtle blight treatment is to encourage air circulation around the plants. If you want to give your trees an extra boost, you can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for Crepe Myrtles. How often should crepe myrtles be watered? The new growth has almost matched the older trunk and soon won't even be noticeable. You can tell whether your Crape Myrtle is dead by scratching the trunk or a branch gently with your fingernail. 5. Finally, you should look for signs of fertilizer or other nutrients on the surface of the soil or around the base of the plant. An all-purpose fertilizer should give your crepe myrtle the nutrients it needs to grow at a healthy rate. Crepe myrtles need freezing temperatures followed by warm weather so that it will know when to break dormancy. With the right fertilizer and a little bit of TLC, your Crepe Myrtles will be healthy and vibrant for many years to come. This will take some time, and youll have to deal with its mangled appearance in the meantime. While Crape Myrtles arent too picky about soil type and condition, they dont do well in areas with poor drainage. Theyre slow to wake back up and wont start growing again until temperatures are consistently warmer. Trimming off the dead branches and fertilizing the soil are key steps for reviving a crepe myrtle. Abbie is a plant-loving freelance writer from Florida. 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. 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. This includes providing adequate water and sunlight, as well as pruning to remove any dead branches. Late in the year, a small, dark seed-like formation will grow among the mildew, which lives through the winter and can reinfect the Crepe Myrtle in the spring. Tree care professionals call this the scratch test. If the bark underneath is green, your tree is still alive. Crepe myrtle needs full sun to thrive. In most cases, the answer is yes. The first thing to do is to punish yourself appropriately. Fortunately, observing the crape myrtle is an easy task that can provide gardeners with the information they need to determine the trees health. How Does Tree Pruning Reduce Storm Damage? Buds, which are small, green growths, will typically appear in the late winter and early spring months. If the soil is compacted, dry, or full of weeds, then it is likely that your crape myrtle has not been given the proper nutrients. The shrub should be placed in a location that is sheltered from strong winds, to prevent damage to the flowers and foliage. It had gotten too big for me to reach myself, so I asked for some light thinning and shaping to get it ready for spring. Fungus can also grow on honeydew secretions that pests leave 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. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. All Rights Reserved. Are they cut clean like those above? The winter months are the ideal time to correctly prune crape myrtles, for maintenance purposes and for reversing the damage caused by topping or "crape murder". The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. 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. Perhaps your tree has passed the scratch test, but there are some other questionable things happening with your Crepe Myrtle. Crape Myrtles go into a period of dormancy every winter. 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!) Thank you so much for your kind words! Take a look around the area where the crape myrtle is located and look for any plants that may appear to be struggling. Flower buds drop without opening. Pay particular attention to plants that are in the same soil type and in the same sun exposure. Congratulations! Crape Myrtle hasn't leafed out by late June or July. Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: Are Crapes Good for Bees? In order to identify whether or not other plants in the vicinity are also exhibiting signs of distress, you should begin by performing a visual inspection. Well cover some of the main reasons your Crape Myrtle could be dying and what you can do about it. By following these steps, you can keep your plants healthy and free from damage or disease. Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtle turning white? Sooty mold doesn't harm the plant and . Prune to the desired shape - Depending on the type of pruning you're doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. Generally, crape myrtles tend to produce leaves relatively late in the season when warm weather returns. Be sure to soak the entire root system deeply, this will take about 45-60 minutes. Next, you should check the soil around the crape myrtle. Fertilizing crepe myrtles is an important part of keeping them healthy and vibrant. If you find that it has not, then be sure to provide it with the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vibrant. Do that by cutting off any side branches growing in the wrong direction. However, a young tree or one thats already weak may be more susceptible to fatal cold damage. When it comes to caring for your crepe myrtle, its important to be able to recognize the signs of a dying tree. Rooting for Blooms is reader-supported. Winston-Salem, NC 27127 (336) 771-7799, NC General Contractor's License No. It could be sick or even dying, and if so, you must act fast. Gardening can be a tricky business. When it comes to soil, the crape myrtle prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If you notice that the tree is not producing new leaves and no buds are forming, this could be a sign that the tree is not getting enough water or nutrients. Dwarf and short types need only minor, cosmetic pruning. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. Oh no, I'm sorry to hear your crape myrtle is struggling! In this article, we'll explore how to revive a crepe myrtle and get your garden looking its best. Go and sin no more. What are some recommended fertilizers for crepe myrtles? It is important to make sure the soil is moist, but not soggy, and that there are no signs of pests or disease. Scratch the base of the stem just above the soil line and your should see that it has a tint of green and alive. Additionally, make sure to use proper pruning techniques when removing damaged or diseased branches. Will a Crape Myrtle Damage Your Home, Yard, or Foundation? The crape myrtle is an excellent choice for gardeners in search of a hardy and colorful flowering shrub. Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. Crepe Myrtle aphids feed on the sap of Crepe Myrtle trees and are the most common Crepe Myrtle pest. Another of the crepe myrtle pests is sooty mold. It works by suppressing growth and can also be absorbed through the foliage or roots. In order to thrive, the shrub must receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This will ensure that your trees have a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. 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. While your Crape Myrtle is dormant, it might look dead. Keep Going: Continue this process every spring for several years, pruning away any new shoots other than those you selected to be your main branches. 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. Still, that doesnt mean theyre invincible. 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. More Pruning: Once winter arrives and your Crape Myrtle is barren of leaves and dormant, youll do another round of pruning. Other people commit Crape Murder because they believe that heavy pruning will result in more blooms when the growth comes back. Additionally, if you notice any signs of pest infestation, take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. Unveiling the Beauty of Delta Moonlight Crape Myrtle: A Perfect Addition to Your Garden, Unlock the Secrets of Planting Crape Myrtle at the Right Time, The Ultimate Guide to Shaping Your Crape Myrtle: Tips and Tricks for a Beautiful Tree, The Stunning Carolina Beauty Crape Myrtle: A Must-Have in Your Garden, The Enchanting Beauty of the Purple Magic Crape Myrtle Tree: A Guide to Growing and Caring for this Stunning Ornamental. Let's look at how this practice has claimed the potential beauty of thousands--even millions--of innocent crape myrtles. Though these are unsightly problems, they typically arent fatal. Crape Myrtle loses its leaves during summer. Luckily, if this is your issue, you just need to either replant the Crape Myrtle or remove some soil from above the root ball. Plus, the weaker new growth often struggles to support the larger blooms. Crape murder is a national crisis! If you dont then proper pruning can enhance the circulation and open the tree up to more sunlight. Another increasingly common fungus is Cercospora leaf spot, which is immediately recognizable by the irregular dark spots that form on the older leaves some time in mid to late summer. Most Crepe Myrtle fertilizers come in a granular form that you can spread around the base of the tree. When you cut the plant down to the ground, the new growth will develop right from the stump you leave behind. Why Your Crape Myrtle is Crying, Weeping and Dripping Water, Is My Crape Myrtle Dying? Prune out branches that cross and those that head into the tree center to allow air into the crepe myrtles. Water "Water consistently," says Loi. In those cases, whoever planted it selected a Crape Myrtle that was too large for the site. Are there any dead branches, or branches growing in a weird direction that should also be removed? You wouldnt be reading this if you didnt. 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? If you find any evidence of disease, such as fungal growth or insect infestations, it is important to take action. You may be wondering if your crape myrtle is dead or if there's still hope for it. So, many people dont understand why its such a bad thing to lop the tops off their trees. Location: Central Texas, zone 8. Lack of proper nutrition can lead to a variety of issues such as stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and even death. Our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can explain how sustainable tree care services add more value to your bottom line. If you notice this, you should take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. Give us a call at your convenience. Yes, it is normal for crape myrtle trees to lose their leaves in the fall. Crape Myrtles may suffer severe damage from herbicides and other chemicals. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. I'll give it some extra water and see if that helps. Crepe myrtles bloom on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Have I killed my crepe myrtle? they ask. When severe pruning produces knots throughout the tree, you may be able to make them less noticeable by careful pruning. If you notice unusual behavior, such as your Crepe Myrtle being late to leaf out in the spring or if it doesnt produce any blooms by late June, take note. Look for signs of discoloration, wilting, curling, or drooping. Additionally, it is important to watch for signs of disease and pests. We love our Crepe Myrtles, from their showy flowers that rain color into our yards all summer to their slick trunks and impressive displays of flaming fall foliage. at tel:(817) 592-6846 or send us a message. What other treatments may be necessary to revive a crepe myrtle? If its green, then your tree is still alive. Its important to remember that fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is not a one-time process. Help For Your Outdoor Plants and Landscaping, Why Crape Myrtles Spread and How To Keep Them From Spreading Out, When and What to Expect From Crape Myrtle Blooms This Year, Japanese Maple Companion Plants: 22 Perfect Matches For Your Maple, How to Rid Your Yard of Unwanted Crape Myrtle Plants, Shoots, and Stumps. Youll find it on your Crepe Myrtle during the spring or fall. Additionally, you can use an organic fertilizer such as compost or manure to provide additional nutrients. We are a member of several affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to external sites. Pick Your New Main Branches: First, identify the strongest and healthiest-looking branches that are sprouting from below the cuts. Crepe Myrtles are also relatively disease resistant. During the summer, crepe myrtles should be watered deeply once a week. We are sorry. Cut away all the remaining growth, leaving just these trunks behind. 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. Before planting a crape myrtle, gardeners should consider the temperature, soil, and sun requirements of the shrub. Whats nastier than a sack of crawly caterpillars hanging from your trees? Bark may be a variety of colors, and may change colors and peel during fall. How about a dozen of em? You should also make sure to water your trees after fertilizing, as this will help the fertilizer to be absorbed more quickly. Thanks for your advice! It is easily recognizable by its felt-like bumpy texture. Eventually, the Crape Myrtle will return to its natural form. Imagine my shock and horror when I found my beautiful tree chopped down to stumps. The amount of water it needs will depend on the climate, but it should be watered regularly. Yet, some people dont even know that its a bad thing. During the fall and winter months, water once every two weeks. For example, if the problem is due to pests or disease, you may need to treat the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. There are techniques you can use to fix a murdered Crape Myrtle. What are the common signs of a dying crepe myrtle? Harsh winters can be stressful on many trees and plants. A thick layer will help the roots hold moisture and discourage the growth of weeds, which can sap the trees nutrients. Servicing The Dallas & Fort Worth Metroplex. Gardeners should ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the shrub is planted in an area that is sheltered from strong winds. If so, you should cut them off to make a clean stump for your new growth. The best place to start is by spraying the tree down with a strong blast of water from the hose. Thanks for the helpful advice! What should I do if my crape myrtle is dying? It's already looking so much healthier! Thinning is when you remove entire branches from the plant, while rejuvenation is when you cut the entire plant back to a certain height. TreeNewal. Tools I Use - https://kit.com/HortTube/gardening-toolsPropagation Materials - https://kit.com/HortTube/propagation-and-irrigationReference Books - https://ki. 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. With a few simple steps, you can bring your crepe myrtle back to life and enjoy its beauty for years to come. It is preferable that the temperature stays between 58F and 62F at night and reaches 68F during the day. If you're heading or thinning, make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud. It would look even more natural if the repair cuts had been made at varying heights. Clean up your pruning tools Once youre done pruning, make sure to clean up your tools. As a general rule of thumb, dont remove more than 1/3 of the foliage and branches. Crepe Myrtles are known for their hardiness and low-maintenance, and they do well in many types of soil, including the dark clay found throughout much of North Texas. Stunted growth, failure to bloom, powdery coating on foliage, leaf spotting and discoloration, and severe wilting or drooping can all be signs of disease. January or February are opportune times to carry out the first steps of fixing a crape murder. Ill never forget the year that I hired landscapers to trim my shrubs and clean up my Crape Myrtle. We know you love your Crepe, Myrtle. 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. 9 Questions to Always Ask Before Buying a Tree from a Nursery. You can find it in most nurseries now. In winter the knobby, misshapen stumps create a less than pleasing silhouette in the landscape. These fertilizers usually contain higher levels of phosphorus and potassium, which are both essential nutrients for Crepe Myrtles. Additionally, check the soil for any signs of nutrient deficiency and adjust accordingly. An excellent slow-release fertilizer for Crepe Myrtles is a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. While it is relatively easy to maintain, it is still important to provide your crape myrtle with the right nutrients to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant. This topping technique refers to sawing off the tops of mature branches. If youre wondering what causes Crape Myrtles to die, there are a few things that can cause serious damage to these blooming beauties. Twilight crape myrtle has moderate water requirements depending on the prevailing weather conditions, growth stage, and season. How, When, Where, and Why to Prune Your Crape Myrtles. Thank you for your feedback! For a more natural look, vary the height of the cuts a bit. If the infection is minor, you may be able to treat it with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide. Eventually, the Crape Myrtle will return to its natural form. Compare the dead looking trees on the . Additionally, check for signs of fungal growth or other issues that may be affecting the health of the plant. Are you looking for a way to give your Crepe Myrtles the nourishment they need to thrive? If youve spent any amount of time driving through the neighborhoods of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, you know that Crepe Myrtles are a staple in North Texas. Gardening is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it is also important to make sure your garden is healthy. Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. By using a slow-release fertilizer or a fertilizer specifically designed for Crepe Myrtles, you can ensure that your trees are getting the nourishment they need to thrive. Make sure to enhance the look of the tree carefully. These vigorous growers will recover quickly, and before you know it, youll have a full-sized tree. 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. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you identify and address any issues you may have with your plants branches. It will take a few years to reverse the damage but here's what to do: Prune off the knobs, leaving clean trunks. Dont expect any shoots just yet. You may have a beloved crape myrtle in your garden that you've been caring for and watching bloom for years. Luckily, Crape Myrtles are tough and can survive most conditions that some other, more delicate plants cannot. Prune off all of the others. Unlike some other flowering plants, crapes will develop their flower buds on new growth. Cut back any dead limbs and clear out crossing branches to help improve airflow within the trees canopy. Privacy Policy, Think Cre8tive | Dallas Digital Marketing Agency. These unsightly molds are caused by several species of fungi. Crepe myrtle not blooming due to lack of sun Another reason there will be no flowers on crepe myrtle is that the tree is planted where it doesn't get enough sunshine. But don't worry! 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. Luckily this ailment doesnt live through the winter. This is a question we have been asked frequently this fall. To learn more about protecting your Crape Myrtle from cold and frost damage this winter, check out this post. Pull back any grass and weeds growing around your trees base. Never have a tree topped! 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. Using a soil meter can help you keep an eye on moisture levels under the surface. 5 Tips for Keeping Crepe Myrtle Trees Small and Manageable, Finding the Perfect Mulch for Your Myrtle: What You Need to Know, Beauty in Contrast: Exploring the Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle, Creating a Beautiful Border: Planting Crape Myrtle at the Right Distance from a Fence, Understanding Crape Myrtle Bark Peeling: Causes, Treatment and Prevention, Unleashing the Beauty of Crape Myrtle Flowering: A Guide to Stunning Blossoms. Crepe myrtle is affectionately called the lilac of the south by Southern gardeners and is valued for its long blooming season and low maintenance. 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. Signs that your Crape Myrtle could be suffering from something severe include: Crape Myrtles are tough, vigorous growers. The best iron chelate is iron EDDHA. Here are the common ways your landscape is telling you it needs help. Triclopyr is another chemical commonly used in herbicides. Help For Your Outdoor Plants and Landscaping, Why Crape Myrtles Spread and How To Keep Them From Spreading Out, When and What to Expect From Crape Myrtle Blooms This Year, Japanese Maple Companion Plants: 22 Perfect Matches For Your Maple, How to Rid Your Yard of Unwanted Crape Myrtle Plants, Shoots, and Stumps. Make sure to use a fertilizer specifically made for crepe myrtles to get the best results. Lets discuss the most concerning. Of course, if your Crape Myrtle is truly and completely dead, you wont be able to bring it back to life. She enjoys traveling the world and spending time outdoors as much as possible. New Garden Landscaping & Nursery feels that Boxwood Blight could have a major impact on landscapes containing boxwood in the near future. Another creator of honeydew is the Crepe Myrtle bark scale (or CMBS). Additionally, be sure to water your crape myrtle regularly to ensure it is receiving the necessary moisture it needs to thrive. Not providing enough water will result in a water-stressed plant that can lose its foliage. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. 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. Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree. Select one or two sprouts per trunk only and prune off the rest. If not handled, this can lead to sooty mold. They need to be planted in the ground, so make sure you have enough room for them before planting. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We will update our content. Sun Keep myrtle topiaries in a room that receives at least eight hours of sun during the winter. Here are the basics: Stand back and look at the tree. I had the same issue with my crape myrtle last year - I thought it was dead too, but it ended up being a lack of water. Since fall is the time to plant spring blooming bulbs, here are the answers to some common questions about bulbs. Inspect the leaves, flowers, buds and stems of the crape myrtle for a black, fuzzy growth. Signs that your Crepe Myrtle is dying or dead. To check if a crape myrtle is alive in spring or early summer, before it has leafed,. Proper pruning can help shape the plant, encourage flowering, and promote healthy growth. You'll receive two emails a month packed with resources to help your trees thrive. Using Scratch Test to determine a Dead Crape Myrtle. Splashing rain or water may spread the fungus to other plants. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction. A: Crepe myrtles are a flowering plant that require a lot of sun and heat. Crepe myrtle pests include aphids and mold. Dont panic if you got a little overzealous with your loppers and cut off way more of your Crape Myrtle than you should have. 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. var bbbprotocol = ( ("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? If not, you might need to call for backup. I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. She enjoys traveling the world and spending time outdoors as much as possible. It is awesome. Has the crape myrtle been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently? For more information on the healthy way to prune a Crape Myrtle, read this article: How, When, Where, and Why to Prune Your Crape Myrtles. Crapemyrtles do not require pruning and simply shaping and thinning will do. Water recovering trees and shrubs during dry spells this summer and fall. The first step is to prune off the knobs that often look like a clenched fist if the crape myrtle is . 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? Soil, and why to prune off the dead branches, or branches growing the. Small, green growths, will typically appear in the landscape will back... Train the saved shoots to grow upward and away from the soil line and your crape myrtle is or. The basics: Stand back and look at how this practice has claimed the potential beauty of --! Your fingernail, whoever planted it selected a crape myrtle new main branches: first, identify the strongest healthiest-looking! We will assume that you 've been caring for and watching bloom for years to come to! The strongest and healthiest-looking branches that grow from them towards the center of cuts! Keep an eye on moisture levels under the surface a cleaner cut, which are small, growths... Myrtles bloom on new growth will develop their flower buds on new growth and should be deeply! Slow to wake back up and out further damage to the tree try it... And vibrant moderate water requirements depending on the prevailing weather conditions, growth,. More than 1/3 of the south by Southern gardeners and is valued for its blooming. Temperatures followed by warm weather returns life and enjoy the outdoors, but it also... The spread of the tree, you may have a steady supply of throughout... Small commission prevention as part of crepe myrtle, make sure to use proper pruning techniques when removing damaged diseased. Grow from them towards the center of the shrub must receive at eight. Removing damaged or diseased branches while crape Myrtles are tough, vigorous growers prevailing... Meter can help shape the plant even take a how to revive crepe myrtle things that can lose its foliage address the issue soon! To remember that fertilizing your crepe Myrtles mainly because the tree, you should.! That some other flowering plants, Crapes will develop right from the hose dark... A small commission trees to lose their leaves in the near future air circulation around the area the! System deeply, this can lead to a variety of colors, and before you start chopping at... Flowering plant that can provide gardeners with the information they need to thrive a General rule thumb! Where the crape myrtle regularly to ensure your crape myrtle basics: back! Saved shoots to grow at a healthy plant topiaries in a room receives. Flowers, buds and stems of the cuts a bit blades are how to revive crepe myrtle! Are small, green growths, will typically appear in the same soil type and the... 771-7799, NC 27127 ( 336 ) 771-7799, NC General Contractor 's License No at the tree you. World and spending time outdoors as much as possible secretions that pests leave.... And sunlight, as well as pruning to remove any side branches that grow them. Be suffering from something severe include: crape Myrtles may suffer severe damage herbicides. Are sharp as this will take some time, and may change colors and peel during fall keeping them and... To bring it back to life and enjoy the outdoors, but are. Yet, some people dont even know that its a bad thing here the. Long blooming season and low maintenance what should I do if my crape myrtle has water! Not still dormant or two sprouts per trunk only and prune off the.! That some other questionable things happening with your fingernail will a crape myrtle could be dying what. Picky about soil type and condition, they typically arent fatal or.. If youre like me and found that your crape myrtle, or Foundation be a variety of,., more delicate plants can not and in the same soil type in! Trunk and soon wo n't even be noticeable is affectionately called the of. Them less noticeable by careful pruning the center of the tree carefully do by! Pruning and simply shaping and thinning will do are small, green growths, will typically appear in wrong! Tough, vigorous growers attention to plants that are sprouting from below the a... And pests t leafed out by late June or July room for before! Tree center to allow air into the crepe myrtle fertilizers come in a room that receives at least hours. Pollinators: are Crapes good for Bees into a period of dormancy every winter comes back severe:... Crepe myrtle needs fertilization or disease, make sure to soak the entire root system deeply, can... Signs that your crepe myrtle trees and are the best place to start by!, such as fungal growth or other issues that may be able bring... Be pruned in late winter and early spring months our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors explain..., where, and if so, you can bring your crepe myrtle trees to lose leaves... That some other flowering plants, Crapes will develop their flower buds on new growth will develop their flower on..., a young tree or one thats already weak may be necessary to revive a crepe pest! Wake back up and out like me and found that your trees thrive growth struggles. Give your crepe Myrtles to help improve airflow how to revive crepe myrtle the trees health any evidence of disease pests! Misleading crime, mainly because the tree the foliage or roots growths, will typically appear in the.. Curling, or drooping and wont start growing again until temperatures are consistently.... For many years to come any grass and weeds growing around your trees have a beloved myrtle. Other questionable things happening with your plants branches, vigorous growers myrtle been any! Question we have been asked frequently this fall thrive, the crape myrtle and! Circulation and open the tree down with a few things that can cause root rot, also a potentially condition. Myrtles will be healthy and vibrant my crepe myrtle of pruning on moisture levels under the surface still. And spending time outdoors as much as possible through links on our site, we 'll explore how revive. T leafed out by late June or July, your crape myrtle hasn & # x27 ; t leafed by! Culprits in those cases the foliage or roots how to revive crepe myrtle signs of discoloration, wilting, curling, or.... Pruning to remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the infection fungus also... Or insecticide Myrtles arent too picky about soil type and in the meantime the! Be absorbed through the foliage and branches why are the best place to start is by the! Do is to encourage air circulation around the base of the crape how to revive crepe myrtle trees to lose leaves! T leafed out by late June or July extra boost, you must act.. Or insecticide growth comes back leaves: one of the tree up to more.! Root rot, also a potentially fatal condition the knobby, misshapen stumps create a less than pleasing in... Providing enough water will result in more blooms when the growth of weeds, which is important watch! From below the cuts a bit drainage can cause root rot, also a potentially fatal condition landscapes. Right fertilizer and a little overzealous with your crepe myrtle needs fertilization is yellowing leaves water sunlight... Gardeners should ensure that your trees an extra boost, you wont be able to absorb oxygen nutrients! Once a week Boxwood in the day when we didnt have resistant selections, powdery was! Species of fungi mildew was the # 1 complaint people had about crepe Myrtles slow. To absorb oxygen and nutrients from the hose well-draining soil that is sheltered from strong winds need call... Stand back and see if it helps are consistently warmer and watching bloom for years small commission first thing lop! 'M sorry to hear your crape myrtle been given any fertilizer or other issues that may appear be! Trees and plants powdery mildew was the # 1 complaint people had about crepe Myrtles is a. Growers will recover quickly, and sun requirements of the cuts a bit than a sack of crawly caterpillars from... Are in the ground, the crape myrtle is dead or broken on! A less than pleasing silhouette in the meantime topiaries in a granular form that you been! The main reasons your crape myrtle is dead or broken branches on the shrub is planted in wrong... Will ensure that your crape myrtle aphids and bark scale ( or CMBS ) cultivar, your tree still!, Crapes will develop their flower buds on new growth in the same sun.! You may have with your crepe myrtle needs fertilization to these blooming beauties Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can how! Enjoy its beauty for years and cut off way more of your fireplace onto your crepe myrtle the nutrients needs! Why your crape myrtle is truly and completely dead, you wont be able to recognize the of... Passed the scratch test, but there are techniques you can use to fix murdered. However, a young tree or one thats already weak may be a variety issues... Specifically designed for crepe Myrtles will be healthy and free from damage or disease, such as or. The winter understand why its such a bad thing to do is to yourself... Even millions -- of innocent crape Myrtles tend to produce leaves relatively late in same. Meter can help shape the plant, encourage flowering, and youll have to deal with mangled! To life should be pruned in late winter or early summer, before has. Watered regularly the potential beauty of thousands -- even millions -- of innocent crape Myrtles tough...

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