Plant some of these low-maintenance (and critter resistant) spring bloomers this fall. Keep an eye on your Crape Myrtle for signs of distress to help prevent bigger problems. Crape myrtle flowers can last for up to three months, and while it's true that crape murder does result in larger (but fewer) flowers, the thin branches that result from improper pruning cannot support them. Train the Rescued Shoots. Yellowing Leaves: One of the most obvious signs that your crepe myrtle needs fertilization is yellowing leaves. 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. Abbie is a plant-loving freelance writer from Florida. Remember, just because your Crape Myrtle isnt thriving right now doesnt mean its dead or dying. This is especially likely if you live in areas where crepe myrtles are iffy, like the Mid-Atlantic states or the lower Midwest. Fungus can also grow on honeydew secretions that pests leave behind. Slow-release fertilizers release their nutrients over a longer period of time, meaning your trees will be nourished for a longer period of time. 3 Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtle turning white? Theyre slow to wake back up and wont start growing again until temperatures are consistently warmer. If your Crepe Myrtle already has powdery mildew, its probably best to call in the professionals. So, your Crape Myrtle may be healthy even though its suffering from a cosmetic issue. Why has the practice continued in this enlightened age? Fungal growth takes place from spring through early fall. This will ensure that your trees have a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Those leaves will also turn fall colors and drop earlier than the other leaves. It is hardy and can thrive in areas that receive enough water and sunlight. Another of the crepe myrtle pests is sooty mold. Let's look at how this practice has claimed the potential beauty of thousands--even millions--of innocent crape myrtles. Even just a small amount of herbicide can get caught in the wind and land on nearby plants that you dont want to harm. This time, cut away all the new sprouts leaving just two or three, depending on your trees size. For best growth and production, crape myrtle should receive at least one inch of water a week. Crepe myrtle needs full sun to thrive. Rooting for Blooms is reader-supported. A thick layer will help the roots hold moisture and discourage the growth of weeds, which can sap the trees nutrients. Newly tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants. These vigorous growers will recover quickly, and before you know it, youll have a full-sized tree. Splashing rain or water may spread the fungus to other plants. Fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is an important part of the care process, and choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference. Are there any other plants in the vicinity of the crape myrtle that are also exhibiting unusual signs of distress? It is awesome. Do that by following the careful pruning instructions we discussed earlier to help your Crape Myrtle grow back into its natural shape. Pull back any grass and weeds growing around your trees base. C-114. In the landscape these cultivars got larger than anticipated. Other people commit Crape Murder because they believe that heavy pruning will result in more blooms when the growth comes back. 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. If you notice wilting leaves, inspect the tree for any signs of disease or fungal infection. These branches wont be able to contribute to the plants growth and can create an entry point for disease or insects. At the same time, add an iron chelate along with the fertilizer. 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. 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. We will update our content. Whether it lands on the leaves or branches or is absorbed through the root system, it can be very damaging or fatal to your Crape Myrtle. Pruning should be done carefully, as overly aggressive pruning can lead to further damage. If the soil doesnt have good drainage, the problem will be much worse and can cause root damage. Twilight crape myrtle has moderate water requirements depending on the prevailing weather conditions, growth stage, and season. Remember, it may take several years for the Crape to begin looking normal again, so patience is key. Prune to the desired shape Depending on the type of pruning youre doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. After the initial prune, youll have to wait. Quick tips for avoiding the fungal disease Brown Patch in lawns. 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. When you plant a new Crape Myrtle, its important to ensure the root ball stays at the same depth that it was in its pot. This fertilizer provides a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, all of which are essential nutrients for Crepe Myrtles. How to Fix Crepe Myrtle Knots If you have only one or two knots, you can remove the entire branch at the point where it attaches to the trunk or a main side branch. In most cases, even freezing temperatures will only cause dieback to leaves and foliage. 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. No? Don't cut too much if you decide to tidy up your crape myrtles in late summer and fall! The adult females are covered in gray or white encrustations that bleed a pink liquid when scratched. Were a little different than the average tree services company. Crepe myrtle is affectionately called the lilac of the south by Southern gardeners and is valued for its long blooming season and low maintenance. An all-purpose fertilizer should give your crepe myrtle the nutrients it needs to grow at a healthy rate. Be sure to soak the entire root system deeply, this will take about 45-60 minutes. Oh no, I'm sorry to hear your crape myrtle is struggling! I'll try pruning it back and see if it helps. It is not frost-tolerant and can suffer damage if temperatures drop below 20 F (-7 C). This will provide your crape myrtle with the essential nutrients it needs to remain healthy and vibrant. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Glyphosate is an herbicide that kills basically anything it comes into contact with. The picture above was taken around mid April in Texas. Dont go overboard with pruning until you know the extent of the damage. We are sorry. Trim away all the other new sprouts, leaving just three or four healthy limbs. 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. 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. 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. The amount of water it needs will depend on the climate, but it should be watered regularly. When that plant makes its comeback, new growth will come from the ground leaving behind seemingly dead tops. The best place to start is by spraying the tree down with a strong blast of water from the hose. They also need to be watered often during their first year of growth. Thinning is when you remove entire branches from the plant, while rejuvenation is when you cut the entire plant back to a certain height. Gently scrape the bark with your fingernail or cut one of the branches back to check inside the limb. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. One of New Garden's core principles is to practice correct and beneficial horticultural techniques, and improper crape myrtle pruning is one incorrect technique that our maintenance crews see and must correct frequently. To do it right, here are some steps you should take to properly prune a crepe myrtle. I'm so sorry to hear about your crape myrtle! 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. Sometimes, Crape Myrtles get conditions that make them look much worse off than they actually are. Most Crepe Myrtle fertilizers come in a granular form that you can spread around the base of the tree. If it is green on the outside but brown on the inside, it has suffered cold damage from late freezes. Eventually, your crepe myrtle will look beautiful again. It causes leaves to curl and shrivel. Thank you for your feedback! 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. If you see live, green tissue underneath the outer layer, youll know your Crape is still alive but dormant. 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. For a more natural look, vary the height of the cuts a bit. Even an established Crape Myrtle can be susceptible to herbicide and chemical damage. The next step is to examine the soil around the plant. 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. This practice, which cuts back all large structural branches of a tree is extremely damaging and weakens trees in the long run. Eventually, the root system will start to develop root rot, which can be a fatal condition if not addressed. If youre heading or thinning, make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud. To correct a bad prune job or rehabilitate a Crape Myrtle thats suffered a murder, youll have to do something that may seem counterintuitive: more pruning. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction. Tools I Use - https://kit.com/HortTube/gardening-toolsPropagation Materials - https://kit.com/HortTube/propagation-and-irrigationReference Books - https://ki. They can cover whole sections of the trunk or branches, giving the tree a scaly look. With the proper care and maintenance, the crape myrtle will bring beauty and life to any garden. If youve established that your Crape Myrtle is suffering from a potentially fatal condition, youre probably wondering how do I save my Crape Myrtle from dying? The good news is there are some things you can do to improve your plants chances of survival. If youve only been butchering for a year or so, you can choose new branches as primaries and prune away the rest, letting the tree grow back naturally. The best iron chelate is iron EDDHA. Slow Growth: If your crepe myrtle is not growing as fast as it should be, it may be a sign that its lacking essential nutrients. Since fall is the time to plant spring blooming bulbs, here are the answers to some common questions about bulbs. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. Eventually, the Crape Myrtle will return to its natural form. Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree. There are two forms of crape myrtles: trees and strubs. 9 Questions to Always Ask Before Buying a Tree from a Nursery. Grass and weeds growing around your trees will be nourished for a more natural look, vary the of. 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