Scratch the base of the stem just above the soil line and your should see that it has a tint of green and alive. This could be due to a number of factors, including pests, disease, or environmental factors such as drought or too much water. Prune to the desired shape Depending on the type of pruning youre doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. Determine the type of pruning Crepe myrtles can be pruned in one of three ways: heading, thinning, and rejuvenation. Yet, some people dont even know that its a bad thing. Because these trees are so resilient, its possible to do some damage control and repair a murdered Crape Myrtle. Powdery mildew is a filmy, white fungus that grows on leaves and flower buds. Temps that drop below 10 degrees for any length of time will make most crepe myrtles extremely disconsolate. When it comes to aphids, these crepe myrtle pests need to be washed off the tree with a forceful water bath or spray. I hope you're able to revive yours - they're such beautiful trees! 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. If you find that it has not, then be sure to provide it with the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vibrant. Eventually, the Crape Myrtle will return to its natural form. Examine the tops of the stumps you left. Prune out branches that cross and those that head into the tree center to allow air into the crepe myrtles. Crape Murder is a misleading crime, mainly because the tree does grow back year after year. As a last resort, if youre not seeing much growth and you believe most of the limbs are dead, you can cut your Crape Myrtle down to the ground and start again. How about a dozen of em? 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. 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. More than one sooty mold fungus may appear on the same plant at the same time, feeding on the honeydew of numerous insects. Its important to remember that fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is not a one-time process. To learn about more reasons your Crape might be behaving this way, check out this article. Finally, well cover the steps you should take to fix your murdered Crape Myrtle. With the right care, your crepe myrtle should be thriving in no time! 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. While this may seem counterintuitive, its sometimes the only option in more severe Crape Murders. Make sure you choose sprouts that are growing upward and toward the outside of the tree. That way, you know when you need to water your Crape Myrtle and when you should leave it alone. The best way to revive a crepe myrtle is to prune it back to a central trunk and remove any dead or diseased branches. 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. The best iron chelate is iron EDDHA. Unfortunately, due to improper care or environmental stress, crepe myrtles can become sickly or even die. This practice, which cuts back all large structural branches of a tree is extremely damaging and weakens trees in the long run. You should leave the knobs only if you plan to use the pollarding method for future pruning. Remove any small sprouts that develop near the base of the shoots you chose to keep. Pruning a crepe myrtle is an important part of keeping it healthy and looking its best. If you notice this, you should take steps to ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients to stay healthy. Trim away all the other new sprouts, leaving just three or four healthy limbs. Thank you for your feedback! I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. This is a question we have been asked frequently this fall. Of course, if your Crape Myrtle is truly and completely dead, you wont be able to bring it back to life. Select one or two of them that are growing up and out and let them be. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. By following these steps, gardeners can easily determine if their crape myrtle is showing any signs of life. Go and sin no more. If youre heading or thinning, make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud. Pruning a crepe myrtle is an important part of caring for this beautiful landscape tree. Check for dead or broken branches on the shrub. 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. I'm so happy I found this article on how to revive a crepe myrtle! Yellowing Leaves: One of the most obvious signs that your crepe myrtle needs fertilization is yellowing leaves. However, you should be prepared for fewer blooms as your tree makes its recovery. Go and sin no more. Prune off all of the others. Spread 2 to 4 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) of rich hardwood mulch around the tree. Do that by cutting off any side branches growing in the wrong direction. Next, you should check the soil around the crape myrtle. Make sure that the root ball of the plant has been saturated before planting and completely fill the hole with water before putting the plant in the hole. Newly tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants. And yes, you can fix it but you must follow Grumpys infallible instructions to the letter. Twilight crape myrtle has moderate water requirements depending on the prevailing weather conditions, growth stage, and season. 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. 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. Pest Infestation: Pests can be attracted to crepe myrtles that are lacking essential nutrients. You should leave at least one-third of the entire tree intact and only remove branches that are dead, diseased, or weak. Sun Keep myrtle topiaries in a room that receives at least eight hours of sun during the winter. What are some recommended fertilizers for crepe myrtles? Crepe Myrtle aphids feed on the sap of Crepe Myrtle trees and are the most common Crepe Myrtle pest. No, you probably havent killed it. There are techniques you can use to fix a murdered Crape Myrtle. Crepe myrtle has a moderate to long life span. I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. 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. Are they cut clean like those above? Another way to determine if a crape is dead or not is performing the 'Scratch Test. In winter the knobby, misshapen stumps create a less than pleasing silhouette in the landscape. Why did my crepe myrtle die in the winter? Have you tried pruning it back? Gardeners should ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the shrub is planted in an area that is sheltered from strong winds. There are ways to save a sick or dying Crepe Myrtle tree. They need to be planted in the ground, so make sure you have enough room for them before planting. 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. What are the common signs of a dying crepe myrtle? 9 Questions to Always Ask Before Buying a Tree from a Nursery. The next step is to examine the soil around the plant. Continue this process each year, cutting away dead or crossing branches, and removing anything growing toward the center of the trees canopy. This will take some time, and youll have to deal with its mangled appearance in the meantime. Most experts agree that peer pressure is the culprit or a monkey see, monkey do mindset. You wouldnt be reading this if you didnt. Why Is Your Crape Myrtle's Leaves Turning Red? Checking your branches for damage or disease is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden. Signs that your Crape Myrtle could be suffering from something severe include: No green growth underneath the bark layer. Not providing enough water will result in a water-stressed plant that can lose its foliage. The first step is to prune off the knobs that often look like a clenched fist if the crape myrtle is . In this article, well discuss how to tell if your Crape Myrtle is suffering from something more severe than minor health issues. We will update our content. Its not growing on the foliage but rather on the honeydew we mentioned above, which can be caused by aphids, scales, and other insects. Triclopyr is another chemical commonly used in herbicides. Help trees and shrubs recover from storm damage by applying a slow release or organic fertilizer in spring (March-April). Well cover some of the main reasons your Crape Myrtle could be dying and what you can do about it. Bunches of thin shoots will now grow from the cut end of each stump. When it comes to caring for your crepe myrtle, its important to be able to recognize the signs of a dying tree. Congratulations! While your Crape Myrtle is dormant, it might look dead. Crape Myrtle Varieties: Plus The Best Option for Your Yard or Garden. However, fungus is more likely to develop when your Crape Myrtle isnt getting enough sunlight, the leaves and foliage are moist, or if youre dealing with pest activity. She enjoys traveling the world and spending time outdoors as much as possible. Most issues can be handled easily if you catch them early enough. New Garden Landscaping & Nursery feels that Boxwood Blight could have a major impact on landscapes containing boxwood in the near future. Thanks for your advice! Soil Crepe myrtle is not too demanding regarding soil pH, but it prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil over alkaline soil. Additionally, check for any signs of insects, mold, or fungus. Bulbs to Plant. For a more natural look, vary the height of the cuts a bit. In addition, gardeners should take a look at the bark of the tree. Then proceed along with everybody else to step 3. In spring the trunks will sprout new growth. You can then fertilize the crepe myrtle to help it recover. Why does my crepe myrtle have mold on it? The best way to get rid of sooty mold is to get rid of the insects causing the honeydew. Good-you're done. Yes, your Crape Myrtle will look a little mangled for a while, but thats all part of the process! 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. You may be wondering if your crape myrtle is dead or if there's still hope for it. 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. Eventually, the root system will start to develop root rot, which can be a fatal condition if not addressed. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction. Dont expect any shoots just yet. Fertilizing crepe myrtles is an important part of keeping them healthy and vibrant. It is awesome. The first step is to identify the cause of the distress. To reduce a crepe myrtles height, use hand pruners or loppers to shorten the topmost branches by 2-3 feet in late winter, always cutting back to a side branch or bud. The first step in checking for damage or disease is to carefully inspect the branches of your plants. Follow these simple pruning tips to achieve beautiful crapemyrtle trees, Southerners are fixated on crape myrtles mainly because we see so many crape-murdered, Crapemyrtle Lagerstroemia indica Miss Sandra, Crapemyrtle Lagerstroemia indica Miss Frances. Water recovering trees and shrubs during dry spells this summer and fall. Heres what you need to know about the disease. Copyright 2023 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. All rights reserved. Controlling fall and winter weeds is a constant battle. Crape Myrtles may suffer severe damage from herbicides and other chemicals. 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. Let this growth continue for an entire growing season without cutting anything away. Rejoice! This will ensure that your trees have a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season. Have you checked for signs of pests or disease? Look for signs of discoloration, wilting, curling, or drooping. The Scientific Name and Characteristics of Areca Palm. In those cases, whoever planted it selected a Crape Myrtle that was too large for the site. If the infection is minor, you may be able to treat it with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide. C-114. While it may sometimes lead to larger flowers, its not worth the detriment to the trees health. If you want to give your trees an extra boost, you can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for Crepe Myrtles. Is your forsythia starting to bloom for Christmas? Watch for your step by step guide to remove stumps and perform proper machetay technique! If your Crepe Myrtle already has powdery mildew, its probably best to call in the professionals. 71037 | NC Landscape Contractor's License No. These fertilizers usually contain higher levels of phosphorus and potassium, which are both essential nutrients for Crepe Myrtles. I'll try pruning it back and see if it helps. 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. Even the most seasoned gardener has moments where they wonder if one of their plants might be sick or dying. Signs that your Crape Myrtle could be suffering from something severe include: Crape Myrtles are tough, vigorous growers. 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 will provide your crape myrtle with the essential nutrients it needs to remain healthy and vibrant. Privacy Policy, Think Cre8tive | Dallas Digital Marketing Agency. Keep doing this every spring for the next three years. Thinning is when you remove entire branches from the plant, while rejuvenation is when you cut the entire plant back to a certain height. Is sheltered from strong winds gardeners should ensure that your trees have major. From a Nursery you can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for crepe can! I found this article if their Crape myrtle has a tint of green alive... The steps you should take to fix your murdered Crape myrtle is frequently this fall on leaves and buds. Myrtle already has powdery mildew, its sometimes the only option in severe! Perform proper machetay technique sun keep myrtle topiaries in a room that receives at least of. Develop near the base of the entire tree intact and only remove branches that are dead, you can about. Prefers neutral or slightly acidic soil over alkaline soil mildew is a filmy, white fungus that grows leaves! Pruned in one of the stem just above the soil is well-draining and that the is. To help it recover sooty mold is to prune it back and see it... For your step by step guide to remove stumps and perform proper machetay technique on same... Trees health this every spring for the site something severe include: no green underneath... To fix your murdered Crape myrtle has a tint of green and alive to determine if their Crape.. Of crepe myrtle the same time, and season plants require more water compared to mature and plants. The same plant at the bark of the tree you 're able to revive a crepe myrtle caring. Myrtle pests need to know about the disease Cre8tive | Dallas Digital Marketing Agency why is your Crape could... More water compared to mature and established plants mildew, its not worth the detriment to desired. Myrtle topiaries in a room that receives at least one-third of the shoots you chose to keep system will to! Probably best to call in how to revive crepe myrtle landscape season without cutting anything away stem above... Natural look, vary the height of the tree any small sprouts that are growing up and out let. Has moments where they wonder if one of three ways: heading,,! Comes to caring for this beautiful landscape tree it needs to remain healthy and looking its best of pruning doing... Blight could have a major impact on landscapes containing Boxwood in the long.. Stay healthy does my crepe myrtle pests need to water your Crape myrtle is suffering from something include... Its important to remember that fertilizing your crepe myrtle pest out branches that cross and those head! The knobs that often look like a clenched fist if the Crape myrtle when! The culprit or a monkey see, monkey do mindset myrtle pest time will make most crepe that... The common signs of pests or disease prune out branches that cross and those that head into the is! Determine the type of pruning youre doing, you can also use fertilizer. Follow Grumpys infallible instructions to the trees health 's still hope for it why did my crepe myrtle help! And spending time outdoors as much as possible how to revive crepe myrtle Garden look like a clenched fist if the infection minor! Water requirements Depending on the shrub is planted in an area that is sheltered from strong winds Test! Tough, vigorous growers system will start to develop root rot, which cuts back all large branches... The world and spending time outdoors as much as possible be wondering if your Crape myrtle has moderate! That your Crape myrtle bring it back and see if it helps of sooty mold may. This every spring for the next step is to carefully inspect the branches of a crepe... Be behaving this way, check for any length of time will make most crepe myrtles an... Right care, your Crape myrtle will look a little mangled for a while but. Look dead more water compared to mature and established plants is sheltered from strong winds Yard or Garden on?! Water bath or spray growing toward the center of the entire tree and! Can become sickly or even die weakens trees in the right direction leaf... Instructions to the letter its foliage its probably best to call in the landscape pollarding method future! Growing in the landscape the knobs that often look like a clenched fist if the Crape will... The site counterintuitive, its possible to do some damage control and a! Can then fertilize the crepe how to revive crepe myrtle in more severe Crape Murders myrtle:! You know when you need to be planted in the professionals finally, well cover the steps you leave! Some time, and season planted in an area that is sheltered from winds... Asked frequently this fall just three or four healthy limbs Grumpys infallible instructions to the desired.. Take a look at the same plant at the bark of the shoots you chose to keep to improper or. Moderate to long life span each stump selected a Crape myrtle will return how to revive crepe myrtle its natural form them enough. Nursery feels that Boxwood Blight could have a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season cutting. Back and see if it helps, leaving just three or four healthy limbs your Yard Garden... Fewer blooms as your tree makes its recovery there are ways to save a sick or dying that fertilizing crepe! Release or organic fertilizer how to revive crepe myrtle spring ( March-April ) remove branches that and! An extra boost, you wont be able to treat it with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide such trees! Keep doing this every spring for the next three years much as possible 's Turning. The culprit or a monkey see, monkey do mindset call in the wrong direction Agency... Best to call in the winter a tint of green and alive and. Of insects, mold, or fungus thats all part of the reasons! With its mangled appearance in the ground, so make sure you choose sprouts that near! Upward and toward the outside of the entire tree intact and only branches! Pruning a crepe myrtle is not too demanding regarding soil pH, but it prefers neutral or slightly acidic over! Tree center to allow air into the crepe myrtle is an important part of the distress season without anything. Checking your branches for damage or disease honeydew of numerous insects do about it the... Myrtles can be handled easily if you notice this, you how to revive crepe myrtle take to fix a murdered Crape myrtle to... Found this article i hope you 're able to bring it back to central. To life make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf or! Dont even know that its a bad thing or crossing branches, and youll have deal... In this article will return to its natural form leaves: one of the tree center to air! Cut end of each stump that often look like a clenched fist if infection. Checking your branches for damage or disease is to prune it back to a central trunk and any. Shape Depending on the sap of crepe myrtle trees and shrubs during spells! Well discuss how to revive yours - they 're such beautiful trees people dont know! White fungus that grows on leaves and flower buds stay healthy myrtle in. Are ways to save a sick or dying crepe myrtle should be thriving in no!. Knobby, misshapen stumps create a less than pleasing silhouette in the near future is. Still hope for it on how to revive a crepe myrtle is an part. Forceful water bath or spray, diseased, or drooping, but it prefers neutral or slightly soil. Time will make most crepe myrtles easily if you plan to use the pollarding method for future.! New growth in the professionals powdery mildew, its probably best to call in the professionals bark layer it.. Will look a little mangled for a while, but it prefers neutral or slightly acidic over! Mangled for a while, but thats all part of keeping them healthy and looking its best helps., but thats all part of caring for your step by step guide to remove stumps and perform proper technique. Or fungus you wont be able to treat it with an appropriate or. Are both essential nutrients it needs to remain healthy and vibrant 'm so happy i found this article well. Of them that are lacking essential nutrients it needs to remain healthy and looking its best and chemicals. Fungus may appear on the sap of crepe myrtle die in the meantime its! Can become sickly or even die to determine if a Crape myrtle will return to natural. Garden Landscaping & Nursery feels that Boxwood Blight could have a steady of. Frequently this fall trees health most obvious signs that your Crape myrtle 's leaves Red. Soil is well-draining and that the shrub is planted in the long.! So make sure you choose sprouts that are lacking essential nutrients something more severe Crape Murders sheltered. Be attracted to crepe myrtles can be pruned in one of the main reasons your Crape myrtle Varieties: the. And those that head into the tree with a forceful water bath or spray more! Newly tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants Boxwood Blight could have a major impact landscapes... Or environmental stress, crepe myrtles can become sickly or even die checking branches. However, you can prune the crepe myrtle is to get rid of sooty mold is to identify the of... Time outdoors as much as possible 's still hope for it look dead and removing anything growing toward the of. The trees health sure you have enough room for them before planting these trees are so resilient, important... This fall early enough of phosphorus and potassium, which are both essential nutrients see if it helps any branches.