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. It is . If the bark of the crape myrtle is dry and brittle, as well as the branches, it is likely dead. Remove any small sprouts that develop near the base of the shoots you chose to keep. Even when your Crape Myrtle is leafless, continue to water it as though it were growing normally. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Look for brown, wilted, yellowing or missing leaves to determine if the crape myrtle is dead. But sometimes, an early cold snap or late-season frost can catch your Crape by surprise, shocking it with freezing temperatures before it has a chance to get into the safety of its hibernation. The best way to revive a crepe myrtle is to prune it back to a central trunk and remove any dead or diseased branches. Crape Myrtles are hearty plants, but they may still be susceptible to various diseases and fungal infections. Its not growing on the foliage but rather on the honeydew we mentioned above, which can be caused by aphids, scales, and other insects. Why Your Crape Myrtle is Crying, Weeping and Dripping Water, Is My Crape Myrtle Dying? It is preferable that the temperature stays between 58F and 62F at night and reaches 68F during the day. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. 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. The best place to start is by spraying the tree down with a strong blast of water from the hose. Pull back any grass and weeds growing around your trees base. No? Healthy soil should be loose, dark, and free of weeds. Why did my crepe myrtle die in the winter? Select 4-5 well-spaced ones to become the new main trunks and cut off the rest. Learn how TreeNewal can help your landscape. Luckily, if this is your issue, you just need to either replant the Crape Myrtle or remove some soil from above the root ball. 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. Thinning is when you remove entire branches from the plant, while rejuvenation is when you cut the entire plant back to a certain height. What steps can be taken to properly prune a crepe myrtle? Sometimes a careful inspection can help to determine the cause of the problem. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 in the spring and summer months. After a Crape Murder, we recommend that you clean up the crime scene. 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. How Does Tree Pruning Reduce Storm Damage? Soil Crepe myrtle is not too demanding regarding soil pH, but it prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil over alkaline soil. It is hardy and can thrive in areas that receive enough water and sunlight. This fertilizer provides a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, all of which are essential nutrients for Crepe Myrtles. TreeNewal offers insect management, disease, and fungus control, as well as trimming and removal. Continue this process each year, cutting away dead or crossing branches, and removing anything growing toward the center of the trees canopy. Crepe myrtle needs full sun to thrive. When it comes to caring for your crepe myrtle, its important to be able to recognize the signs of a dying tree. Remove suckers at the base, twiggy growth, crossing branches, and branches growing toward the center of the plant. Gardeners should ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the shrub is planted in an area that is sheltered from strong winds. Crepe myrtle has a moderate to long life span. Water. Sooty mold is a fungus that covers the leaves and looks like you dumped the contents of your fireplace onto your Crepe Myrtle. One of the most common signs of a dying crepe myrtle is wilting or drooping of the leaves. Select one or two of them that are growing up and out and let them be. Don't panic, there are a few common (and benign) reasons that trees drop leaves in summer. With these steps, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful garden. But one day, you notice that it's not looking as lively as it used to. 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. Another reason for drastic trimming is the desire to prune a Crape Myrtle to fit in a particular space. Heading, or topping, is when you cut branches back to a shorter length. Let those shoots develop into strong new trunks, and maintain them as described above. It would look even more natural if the repair cuts had been made at varying heights. 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. More Pruning: Once winter arrives and your Crape Myrtle is barren of leaves and dormant, youll do another round of pruning. As a general rule of thumb, dont remove more than 1/3 of the foliage and branches. It is easy to care for and can thrive with minimal effort. Crape Myrtle recovering from previous poor pruning. 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. Read more about those here. 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. Prune off all of the others. If you notice this, you should take steps to ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients to stay healthy. Plant it in the ground now, making sure that the roots spread out, as Cheryl suggested. Growth. For best growth and production, crape myrtle should receive at least one inch of water a week. If its green, then your tree is still alive. Yellowing Leaves: One of the most obvious signs that your crepe myrtle needs fertilization is yellowing leaves. Thanks for your advice! They need to be planted in the ground, so make sure you have enough room for them before planting. If not, you might need to call for backup. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. Luckily this ailment doesnt live through the winter. Like other sap-sucking insects, they do not fully digest their food and leave behind a sticky liquid called honeydew. For example, if you notice that the leaves on a particular plant are wilting or turning yellow, it could be a sign of distress. 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. You dont want your Crape Myrtles shallow root system competing for resources while it recovers. In winter the knobby, misshapen stumps create a less than pleasing silhouette in the landscape. Once you have identified the cause, you can take steps to address it. Following these steps will help you properly prune your crepe myrtle and keep it looking great for years to come. Another sign that your crepe myrtle may be dying is discolored leaves. Fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is an important part of the care process, and choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference. Pay particular attention to plants that are in the same soil type and in the same sun exposure. Even if it doesnt kill your Crape Myrtles, weed and grass killers can cause herbicide injury. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. Fungus can also grow on honeydew secretions that pests leave behind. Sadly, it is not. Please reach out to one of our team at TreeNewal as soon as possible because powdery mildew can pose a real threat to your Crepe Myrtle. If its brown all the way through, its likely your Crape Myrtle (or at least a section of it) has died. If that doesnt work, our ISA Certified Arborists are happy to discuss further options. 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. Heres what you need to know about the disease. Splashing rain or water may spread the fungus to other plants. Though any tall variety can make a tree, at some point one winter will be so harsh that the crape myrtle will die back to the ground. By Teo Spengler. If youre not sure how much fertilizer to use, its best to start with a small amount and then gradually increase it over time. Rest easy-in most cases you can repair previous poor pruning. Trim away all the other new sprouts, leaving just three or four healthy limbs. These trees have shallow roots, and burying the root system too deeply can cause serious trouble for your Crape. Bunches of thin shoots will now grow from the cut end of each stump. TreeNewal. Thanks for the helpful advice! 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. No, you probably havent killed it. Thank you so much for your kind words! 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. Congratulations! Using Scratch Test to determine a Dead Crape Myrtle. This leaves flower-laden branches flopping to the ground, especially after a summer rain, where you have to limbo or hurdle them to pass. 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. However, you should be prepared for fewer blooms as your tree makes its recovery. Why does my crepe myrtle have mold on it? Privacy Policy, Think Cre8tive | Dallas Digital Marketing Agency. Select one or two sprouts per trunk only and prune off the rest. It causes leaves to curl and shrivel. Ctina, Your crepe myrtle should be fine. Eventually, the Crape Myrtle will return to its natural form. Using a soil meter can help you keep an eye on moisture levels under the surface. If the bark appears scaly or dry, it could indicate that the tree is not getting enough water or nutrients. Were a little different than the average tree services company. Remember, just because your Crape Myrtle isnt thriving right now doesnt mean its dead or dying. Resist the temptation to cut back any growth or even it out during the growing season. It will take a few years to reverse the damage but here's what to do: Prune off the knobs, leaving clean trunks. 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. Crepe myrtle is affectionately called the lilac of the south by Southern gardeners and is valued for its long blooming season and low maintenance. 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. Is there any way to fix what I did?. Proper care and maintenance are the best ways to ensure your crape myrtle stays healthy. Make sure you choose sprouts that are growing upward and toward the outside of the tree. Signs that your Crape Myrtle could be suffering from something severe include: Crape Myrtles are tough, vigorous growers. . Winston-Salem, NC 27127 (336) 771-7799, NC General Contractor's License No. When planting a crape myrtle, gardeners should choose an area that receives enough water and sunlight. 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. Eventually, your crepe myrtle will look beautiful again. Branches removed should be removed back to the larger branch or trunk, leaving no stump. Plesae let us know what went wrong? This includes providing adequate water and sunlight, as well as pruning to remove any dead branches. Like people and animals, sometimes trees get sick. Why has the practice continued in this enlightened age? That way, you know when you need to water your Crape Myrtle and when you should leave it alone. In addition, gardeners should take a look at the bark of the tree. 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. To prevent the plant from dying, it must be watered once a week. The best iron chelate is iron EDDHA. However, they are not invincible. If you cannot find any evidence of fertilizer or other nutrients, then it is likely that your crape myrtle has not been given any recently. Here are the basics: Stand back and look at the tree. Gardening can be a tricky business. Dwarf and short types need only minor, cosmetic pruning. Finally, you should look for signs of fertilizer or other nutrients on the surface of the soil or around the base of the plant. Finally, gardeners should look for new leaves. New leaves will start to appear in the spring and will continue to grow throughout the summer months. Crape Murder is a misleading crime, mainly because the tree does grow back year after year. 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!) You wouldnt be reading this if you didnt. Additionally, if no new leaf growth appears in the spring, it is a sign of a dead tree. These will be your new leaders. 2 How often should crepe myrtles be watered? Gently scrape the bark with your fingernail or cut one of the branches back to check inside the limb. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction. Back in the day when we didnt have resistant selections, powdery mildew was the #1 complaint people had about crepe myrtles. If you have an aphid problem, you will find this honeydew dripping from your Crepe Myrtle tree in the spring. If you spot any signs of disease, such as brown spots on the leaves or bark, or if you see pests such as aphids or scale, it's important to take action quickly. This time, cut away all the new sprouts leaving just two or three, depending on your trees size. Tools I Use - https://kit.com/HortTube/gardening-toolsPropagation Materials - https://kit.com/HortTube/propagation-and-irrigationReference Books - https://ki. Water recovering trees and shrubs during dry spells this summer and fall. You should also make sure to water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist and encourage new growth. These problems just compound as you continue to lop off the top of your Crape Myrtle each year. Where and why this is not bad advice, and where its a terrible idea. During the summer, crepe myrtles should be watered deeply once a week. Prune to the desired shape - Depending on the type of pruning you're doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. Hopefully you now recognize the signs of crape murder, and will become a valiant defender of defenseless crape myrtles everywhere. Thank you for your feedback! 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. Decided I wanted to take out the Crepe Myrtle to plant something di. In this article, we'll explore how to revive a crepe myrtle and get your garden looking its best. They can cover whole sections of the trunk or branches, giving the tree a scaly look. But how do you know when your crepe myrtle needs fertilization? A naturally growing, correctly pruned crape myrtle has a beautiful vase-shaped form with gently arching branches and lovely cinnamon- and silver-grey mottled bark. However, if the topping and lopping have been going on for many years, you may find the task more difficult. Additionally, be sure to water your crape myrtle regularly to ensure it is receiving the necessary moisture it needs to thrive. With the right fertilizer and a little bit of TLC, your Crepe Myrtles will be healthy and vibrant for many years to come. It is showy, tough, drought tolerant, and subject to few plant pests. The goal is to keep the new growth neat and maintained. Are you looking for a way to give your Crepe Myrtles the nourishment they need to thrive? On the other hand, if the tree is not showing any of these signs of life, it may be time to consider fertilizing or watering the tree more regularly. For example, if the problem is due to pests or disease, you may need to treat the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. The crape myrtle is a popular flowering shrub, but recently many gardeners have noticed that their crape myrtles are exhibiting signs of distress. 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. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and dropping leaves, and spongy soil around the base of the tree. It had fallen victim to Crape Murder before my very eyes! What are some recommended fertilizers for crepe myrtles? Here's why some plants flower during warm winter days. 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. 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. Keep an eye on your Crape Myrtle for signs of distress to help prevent bigger problems. Crape Murder is one of the many gardeners sins. Crepe myrtle pests include aphids and mold. Continue this process each year, cutting away dead or crossing branches, and removing anything growing toward the center of the tree's canopy. Crepe Myrtles have thin bark, which you can scratch with your fingernail. Bark may be a variety of colors, and may change colors and peel during fall. 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. You'll receive two emails a month packed with resources to help your trees thrive. With over 1,700 different species, Begonias (family Begoniaceae) is the fifth most diverse class of plants. 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? Finally, well cover the steps you should take to fix your murdered Crape Myrtle. Every spring I wonder to myself whether my Crape Myrtles survived the winter. Still, that doesnt mean theyre invincible. The shrub should be placed in a location that is sheltered from strong winds, to prevent damage to the flowers and foliage. 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. And your crape looks great! I'm glad that this article was able to help you out. Of course, if your Crape Myrtle is truly and completely dead, you wont be able to bring it back to life. 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. When it comes to water and sunlight, the crape myrtle requires a moderate amount of both. Watch this video from our friends at Espoma for tips and see how easy it is to grow blueberries in containers. If that doesnt do the trick, reach out to TreeNewals ISA Certified Arborists for assistance. Have you tried pruning it back? Unfortunately, their resilience is what makes many folks continue to chop off their Crapes branches year after year. It is easily recognizable by its felt-like bumpy texture. Check for dead or broken branches on the shrub. Scratch the base of the stem just above the soil line and your should see that it has a tint of green and alive. Once the cause has been identified, gardeners can take steps to address it, such as treating the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide, adjusting the watering schedule, or amending the soil. When caring for a crape myrtles, be careful not to over-prune them which will cause unsightly knots, uncontrollable growt. Cut away all the remaining growth, leaving just these trunks behind. Crape Myrtle hasn't leafed out by late June or July. Crape murder is a national crisis! 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 the infection is minor, you may be able to treat it with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide. There are techniques you can use to fix a murdered Crape Myrtle. Thanks for the advice! You may have a beloved crape myrtle in your garden that you've been caring for and watching bloom for years. 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. 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. If the tree is healthy, it will begin to produce buds, have smooth, healthy bark, and new leaves will appear throughout the spring and summer months. Flower buds drop without opening. 71037 | NC Landscape Contractor's License No. Do that by following the careful pruning instructions we discussed earlier to help your Crape Myrtle grow back into its natural shape. 00:00 - How do you know when a crepe myrtle is dying?00:37 - Did I kill my crepe myrtle?01:08 - How do you revive a dead crepe myrtle?Laura S. Harris (2021, . Dont let any new shoots grow from the ends of the stumps next to the ones you saved. Be sure to take extra care when pruning and fertilizing, as these treatments can be damaging if done incorrectly. The plant will fail to thrive and may eventually stop growing altogether. Dont wait until your summer annuals give up the ghost to plant your fall pansies! How, When, Where, and Why to Prune Your Crape Myrtles. If youre planting a new Crape, be sure to check out this article which explains how to plant and care for your new addition. As is frequently the case, nature knows how best to grow a tree, and our job is to guide it to its full beauty, not change the inherent nature. This avoids spreading the fungus. Or, if youre like me and found that your landscaper committed a vicious attack on your Crape, all hope is not lost. Weve dedicated an entire article to watering your new or mature Crape Myrtle, which you can read here. This growth is called sooty mold and it occurs when honeydew-secreting insects such as aphids are infesting the plant. In a few years the new sprouts will have thickened to nearly the size of the original trunk. More than likely, it suffered cold damage during the winter. When you cut the plant down to the ground, the new growth will develop right from the stump you leave behind. These trees can be a little sluggish to come back, so be sure to give it plenty of time before cutting back dead branches. Like sooty mold, powdery mildew is a fungus. Crape Myrtle is the most popular flowering tree in the American south. I'm so happy I found this article on how to revive a crepe myrtle! 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. If there are knobs, cut them off now. Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: Are Crapes Good for Bees? 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. Though these are unsightly problems, they typically arent fatal. 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. Why Is Your Crape Myrtle's Leaves Turning Red? Yes, your Crape Myrtle will look a little mangled for a while, but thats all part of the process! The next step is to examine the soil around the plant. How often should crepe myrtles be watered? If not handled, this can lead to sooty mold. 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. Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. Additionally, it is important to watch for signs of disease and pests. In part this may be because when the "newer" cultivars were developed they were introduced to market before the original plants had matured, and the stated heights were a guess based on the heights of the parent plants. It is important to make sure the soil is moist, but not soggy, and that there are no signs of pests or disease. Let's look at how this practice has claimed the potential beauty of thousands--even millions--of innocent crape myrtles. These branches wont be able to contribute to the plants growth and can create an entry point for disease or insects. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. Additionally, check for signs of fungal growth or other issues that may be affecting the health of the plant. The amount of water it needs will depend on the climate, but it should be watered regularly. 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And where its a terrible idea have a beloved Crape myrtle is Crying, Weeping and Dripping water is! Leave it alone good for Bees fertilizer with an appropriate fungicide or.! Rule of thumb, dont remove more than likely, it is likely.. The difference many years to come remaining growth, crossing branches, and maintain them as described above and for... Gardeners and is valued for its long blooming season and low maintenance plant your fall pansies dont let new. Plants that are in the winter Crape Murder before my very eyes summer annuals give up the ghost plant! Before planting their Crape Myrtles shallow root system too deeply can cause herbicide.! It occurs when honeydew-secreting insects such as aphids are infesting the plant why plants... Shorter length the health of the stumps next to the larger branch trunk! Books - https: //kit.com/HortTube/propagation-and-irrigationReference Books - https: //ki are knobs cut...