Is My Crepe Myrtle Tree Diseased?

Crepe Myrtle Disease Trunk

To determine if your crepe myrtle is diseased, you can look for certain signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem. Here are some common indicators to watch for:

1. Leaf Discoloration: Check for unusual discoloration on the leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or spotting. This can be a sign of various diseases affecting crepe myrtles.

2. Leaf Spotting: Look for the presence of spots or lesions on the leaves. Fungal diseases like Cercospora leaf spot or powdery mildew can cause characteristic spots or powdery patches on the foliage.

3. Leaf Deformities: Examine the leaves for deformities or abnormalities like curling, cupping, or distortion. Certain pests or diseases can cause these changes in the leaf structure.

4. Powdery Coating: A powdery white or grayish substance on the leaves, stems, or buds may indicate powdery mildew, a common fungal infection affecting crepe myrtles.

5. Bark Issues: Inspect the bark for any signs of cracking, splitting, peeling, or discoloration. These symptoms may indicate a disease or physical damage to the tree.

6. Twig Dieback: Look for branches or twigs that appear dead, with no leaves or signs of new growth. This can be a result of disease or environmental stress.

7. Abnormal Growth Patterns: Observe the overall growth pattern of the tree. If you notice stunted growth, excessive wilting, or lack of vigor compared to other crepe myrtles in the vicinity, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.

It's important to note that some symptoms, like leaf discoloration, can also be caused by factors such as inadequate watering, nutrient deficiencies, or environmental stress. If you suspect that your crepe myrtle is diseased, it's recommended to consult with a certified arborist, horticulturist, or local extension service for a proper diagnosis and guidance on appropriate treatment options. They can provide specific recommendations based on the particular disease affecting your crepe myrtle and suggest the best course of action to restore its health. Click the link below to be connected with an arborist for more information!

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How To Care For A Crepe Myrtle Tree

Crepe myrtle trees are one of the top favorite trees to plant in the southeast region. There are a wide range of hybrids that all present different colors, hardiness and bark. They are a deciduous tree and will provide showy flowers in summer time and a bright fall color shortly before they return to a dormant state.

How do I care for my crepe myrtle tree?

Proper planting

First and foremost, ensuring soil pH is slightly acidic and well draining will give you the best results. Not sure what type of soil you have? Local certified arborists can take a soil sample from the area you would like to plant to give you an inside look on what you may need to supplement with. Plant your crepe myrtle in full sun (6 hours or more per day) to get the best blooms!

Fertilization

We recommend having a tree care specialist apply a fertilizer to your soil to keep your crepe myrtle healthy and thriving.

Watch out for fungus and pests

Crepe myrtle trees are susceptible to a number of fungus and pests including:

• Aphids

• Spider mites

• Scale

• Japanese beetle

• Powdery mildew

• Cercospora leaf spot

Having routine tree health exams by a local certified arborist provides early intervention of any and all pests and diseases to stop them before or when they start.

Regular pruning

The basic maintenance of a crepe myrtle tree is regular tree trimming. While you should remove all dead branches throughout the year, extensive crepe myrtle trimming should only be performed in the dormant season by a reputable tree service company.

If you are interested in crepe myrtle care or have additional questions, click the link below to be connected with a local arborist today!

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