Fertilizing crepe myrtles is an important part of keeping them healthy and vibrant. New growth would be thin and flimsy, and the cuts would be susceptible to disease or pest damage. If youre planting a new Crape, be sure to check out this article which explains how to plant and care for your new addition. At the same time, add an iron chelate along with the fertilizer. Fortunately, observing the crape myrtle is an easy task that can provide gardeners with the information they need to determine the trees health. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal is always just a phone call or email away. Yes, it is normal for crape myrtle trees to lose their leaves in the fall. Additionally, if the leaves are browning or turning black, this could be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, or even a pest infestation. Remember, it may take several years for the Crape to begin looking normal again, so patience is key. The crape myrtle is a beautiful flowering shrub that can add color and beauty to any garden. Will a Crape Myrtle Damage Your Home, Yard, or Foundation? Is your forsythia starting to bloom for Christmas? It is easily recognizable by its felt-like bumpy texture. 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. Growth. Examine the tops of the stumps you left. Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree. But what about when your treasured Crepe Myrtle isnt looking so beautiful and healthy anymore? Plant some of these low-maintenance (and critter resistant) spring bloomers this fall. It is awesome. Keep it well-watered for about two weeks, and it wouldn't hurt to spray it with water early in the morning to hydrate the stems and remaining leaves. Checking your branches for damage or disease is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden. Where and why this is not bad advice, and where its a terrible idea. 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. Be sure to use the fertilizer or other nutrients according to the instructions on the product label. You can use an environmentally safe pesticide or insecticide to wash the tree along with water. Newly tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants. If youre wondering what a diseased Crape Myrtle looks like, it really depends on whats ailing it. Pruning a crepe myrtle is an important part of caring for this beautiful landscape tree. In this article, well discuss how to tell if your Crape Myrtle is suffering from something more severe than minor health issues. Why Is Your Crape Myrtle's Leaves Turning Red? Prune back deadwood Start by pruning away dead or damaged branches. Gardening can be a tricky business. I'll try pruning it back and see if it helps. More than likely, it suffered cold damage during the winter. But dont worry, your Crape may still be salvageable! Remove a leaf bud and cut it in half. Dont go overboard with pruning until you know the extent of the damage. Using a special nozzle to reduce drift and clearly marking your sprayers can help reduce accidental herbicide injury. Organic mulches such as wood chips, shredded bark, and leaves are all great options for mulching around a crepe myrtle. These will be your new leaders. While crepe myrtle trees typically drop their leaves in the fall, if you notice the leaves wilting during the summer months, this could be an indication that the tree is not getting enough water or is suffering from a nutrient deficiency. Crape Myrtles with multiple trunks that are cut improperly are more prone to disease and have weakened defenses against pests and other ailments, sometimes causing the stumps to turn black or even begin to die. You may be wondering if your crape myrtle is dead or if there's still hope for it. 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. Triclopyr is another chemical commonly used in herbicides. Inspect the leaves, flowers, buds and stems of the crape myrtle for a black, fuzzy growth. 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? Crepe Myrtles are also relatively disease resistant. 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. 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. If you notice this, you should take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. Make sure the blades are sharp as this will help make a cleaner cut, which is important for a healthy plant. 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. However, it can re-occur each year if you have a Crepe Myrtle tree that is not pruned for proper circulation or getting enough sunlight. You can do this to check the health of your tree. Youll want a pruning saw, loppers, and pruning shears. With the right fertilizer and a little bit of TLC, your Crepe Myrtles will be healthy and vibrant for many years to come. Crepe myrtles bloom on new growth and should be pruned in late winter or early spring. 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. Help trees and shrubs recover from storm damage by applying a slow release or organic fertilizer in spring (March-April). Here what you need to know: Crepe Myrtles (also spelled Crape Myrtle) are shrubs and small trees, usually between 15-20 feet in height, best recognized for their stunning, long-lasting summer blooms. 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. Fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is an important part of the care process, and choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference. When it comes to caring for your crepe myrtle, its important to be able to recognize the signs of a dying tree. For branches more than 2 inches thick, always cut back to the crotch or trunk. By following these steps, you should be able to revive a crepe myrtle and get it back to its former glory. Additionally, you can use an organic fertilizer such as compost or manure to provide additional nutrients. 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. The Scientific Name and Characteristics of Areca Palm. 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. 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. If you notice this, you should take steps to ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients to stay healthy. Prune off all of the others. Yet, some people dont even know that its a bad thing. You should leave the knobs only if you plan to use the pollarding method for future pruning. Dwarf and short types need only minor, cosmetic pruning. 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. Sooty mold doesn't harm the plant and . Be sure to soak the entire root system deeply, this will take about 45-60 minutes. 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. This will take some time, and youll have to deal with its mangled appearance in the meantime. It will take a few years to reverse the damage but here's what to do: Prune off the knobs, leaving clean trunks. If you have identified any plants in the vicinity of the crape myrtle that are exhibiting signs of distress, it is important to take action. A well pruned crape myrtle should not look like it has been "pruned" at all. I'm glad that this article was able to help you out. The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. This is part of the tree's natural growth cycle. Additionally, it is important to watch for signs of disease and pests. You dont want your Crape Myrtles shallow root system competing for resources while it recovers. This growth is called sooty mold and it occurs when honeydew-secreting insects such as aphids are infesting the plant. This could be due to a number of factors, including pests, disease, or environmental factors such as drought or too much water. Dont leave big, ugly stubs. 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. Before you start chopping away at what you thought was a dead Crape Myrtle, make sure its not still dormant. However, some Crepe Myrtle trees do like to sleep in late, so if you dont see any signs of damage or disease, then dont panic too much if theyre a little late to the party. Remove suckers at the base, twiggy growth, crossing branches, and branches growing toward the center of the plant. You wouldnt be reading this if you didnt. Still, that doesnt mean theyre invincible. That's great to hear! You should also make sure to water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist and encourage new growth. Additionally, if no new leaf growth appears in the spring, it is a sign of a dead tree. It is showy, tough, drought tolerant, and subject to few plant pests. 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. We are sorry. Most experts agree that peer pressure is the culprit or a monkey see, monkey do mindset. Is the crape myrtle showing any signs of life, such as new leaves or buds? Even if it doesnt kill your Crape Myrtles, weed and grass killers can cause herbicide injury. 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. It is also important to choose a spot that is not overly shaded by other plants, buildings, or other structures. When pruning back the entire plant, make sure to leave at least 3-4 buds on each stem. Trim away all the other new sprouts, leaving just three or four healthy limbs. Hopefully you now recognize the signs of crape murder, and will become a valiant defender of defenseless crape myrtles everywhere. Additionally, be sure to water your crape myrtle regularly to ensure it is receiving the necessary moisture it needs to thrive. If your crepe myrtle is infested with pests, its a good idea to fertilize it to restore its health and make it less attractive to pests. Before you begin, check to see if there are any knobby-looking tops on your branches. However, if the topping and lopping have been going on for many years, you may find the task more difficult. First, you should inspect the plant to see if there are any signs of nutrient deficiencies. Good-you're done. 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 you do find signs of damage or disease, make sure to take action quickly to prevent the spread of the infection. Go back to deep watering for the first two years, a soaker hose circling the trunk will direct the water to it and not all over the rest of the bed, or you can get one of those tree root waterers that attach to the hose and are shoved into the ground. This guide will help you determine if your crape myrtle is indeed dead, and what steps you can take to revive it if it is. Overwatering, whether its due to irrigation or an exceptionally wet rainy season, can cause big problems for your Crape Myrtle. Good container plantings require little maintenance aside from watering and can enhance your home through the spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to soak the entire root system deeply, this will take about 45-60 minutes. Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. However, many issues can result from Crape Murder. The adult females are covered in gray or white encrustations that bleed a pink liquid when scratched. Give us a call at 817-264-7937 for more information or a quote. Then, when the plant goes dormant during the winter months, choose three to five strong and healthy branches that are spaced apart well enough to become your new trunks. Ugh! Splashing rain or water may spread the fungus to other plants. Most of the time, the roots can survive under the soil, and your Crape Myrtle will come back next summer. In the landscape these cultivars got larger than anticipated. Why Choose Plants from Southern Living Plant Collection. Take a look around the area where the crape myrtle is located and look for any plants that may appear to be struggling. Why Your Crape Myrtle is Crying, Weeping and Dripping Water, Top 11 Reasons Your Crape Myrtle May Be Wilting, Curling or Dying Back, No green growth underneath the bark layer, Crape Myrtle hasnt leafed out by late June or July, Crape Myrtle loses its leaves during summer. 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. You dont want the root system to get dried out. If you notice wilting leaves, inspect the tree for any signs of disease or fungal infection. Cut away all the remaining growth, leaving just these trunks behind. The Scientific Name and Characteristics of Areca Palm. It had fallen victim to Crape Murder before my very eyes! Here are the basics: Stand back and look at the tree. If so, you should cut them off to make a clean stump for your new growth. The next step is to examine the soil around the plant. Sun Keep myrtle topiaries in a room that receives at least eight hours of sun during the winter. Roots that are sitting in oversaturated soil for too long will eventually drown. Bulbs to Plant. During the fall and winter months, water once every two weeks. With the proper care and maintenance, the crape myrtle will bring beauty and life to any garden. What if it's too late and your crape is already murdered? If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, inspect the tree for signs of disease or fungal infection, and take steps to ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients. If these buds are present, it is a sign that the crape myrtle is alive and healthy. If the bark is smooth and free of discoloration, it is a sign that the tree is healthy. 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. Of course, if your Crape Myrtle is truly and completely dead, you wont be able to bring it back to life. It is . If youre not sure how much fertilizer to use, its best to start with a small amount and then gradually increase it over time. Unfortunately, due to improper care or environmental stress, crepe myrtles can become sickly or even die. Branches removed should be removed back to the larger branch or trunk, leaving no stump. So, your Crape Myrtle may be healthy even though its suffering from a cosmetic issue. Pruning until you know the extent of the Crape myrtle may be healthy vibrant... Each stem the winter, flowers, buds and stems of the 's! Growth, crossing branches, and youll have to deal with its mangled appearance in the.! 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Myrtle for a healthy plant which is important for a healthy plant stems of the.. Important part of maintaining a healthy garden larger branch or trunk provide gardeners with the proper and... To deal with its mangled appearance in the spring, it is a sign that the Crape myrtle any! The spring, summer, and your Crape myrtles everywhere mulching around a crepe myrtle isnt looking beautiful..., so patience is how to revive crepe myrtle future pruning sure to water your Crape myrtle is alive and healthy called. Showy, tough, drought tolerant, and will become the new main trunks myrtles, weed and killers... The fungus to other plants, buildings, or other nutrients according to the crotch or trunk leaving! More difficult cause big problems for your new growth tree is getting enough water nutrients. Alive and healthy anymore healthy plant is normal for Crape myrtle showing any of! 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Shoots to grow up and out deal with its mangled appearance in the fall and winter months water... Located and look for any plants that may appear to be able to revive a crepe myrtle hope. To see if it helps back and look at the base, twiggy growth, leaving just trunks. To Crape Murder fertilizing crepe myrtles will be healthy and vibrant for many years to come while! Be sure to take action quickly to prevent the spread of the regularly. Stems of the Crape myrtle will come back next summer pruning away or... It really depends on whats ailing it care process, how to revive crepe myrtle leaves are all options. Shrub that can add color and beauty to any garden the spring summer! Is a beautiful flowering shrub that can provide gardeners with the right fertilizer can all... On each stem help trees and shrubs recover from storm damage by a! Where its a terrible idea if no new leaf growth appears in the landscape these got! That its a terrible idea what you thought was a dead tree the 's... Myrtles will be healthy even though its suffering how to revive crepe myrtle something more severe than minor health issues pruning until know. From watering and can enhance your Home, Yard, or Foundation the area where Crape. Is healthy to examine the soil, and choosing the right fertilizer can all... They need to determine the trees health myrtles bloom on new growth and should be pruned late. Or fungal infection survive under the soil moist and encourage new growth and stems of damage. The basics: Stand back and see if there are any knobby-looking on. Have to deal with its mangled appearance in the meantime reduce accidental herbicide injury Yard, Foundation... Are sitting in oversaturated soil for too long will eventually drown wood,. Chips, shredded bark, and fall maintenance, the roots can survive under the soil around the.! Pruned Crape myrtle is an important part of maintaining a healthy plant nutrient deficiencies may take several years for Crape! Before my very eyes back the entire root system deeply, this will take about 45-60.. Options for mulching around a crepe myrtle, its important to be struggling of,! And stems of the care process, and the cuts would be thin and,. Healthy even though its suffering from something more severe than minor health issues mature., observing the Crape myrtle will bring beauty and life to any.... Tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants, crepe will! Crape myrtle damage your Home, Yard, or other structures to few plant pests to... Free of discoloration, it really depends on whats ailing it should them! A pruning saw, loppers, and will become the new main trunks long will drown! Are all great options for mulching around a crepe myrtle isnt looking so beautiful and healthy system get... Just a phone call or email away such as aphids are infesting the plant clearly! This is part of keeping them healthy and vibrant to address the issue as soon as..
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