This is a question we have been asked frequently this fall. 7 Signs Your Plant Might Be Suffering. This article will explain what we mean by Crape Murder, discuss why people may commit this atrocity, and whether it can be repaired. One of the most common signs of a dying crepe myrtle is wilting or drooping of the leaves. To do it right, here are some steps you should take to properly prune a crepe myrtle. Dig around the root system to see if the roots are dead or alive. Eventually, the root system will start to develop root rot, which can be a fatal condition if not addressed. More than likely, it suffered cold damage during the winter. 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). A dying tree or shrub in your landscape can be a big disappointment, especially if youve invested a lot of time and energy into it. This could be due to a lack of water, a nutrient deficiency, or a pest infestation. 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. Yes, it is normal for crape myrtle trees to lose their leaves in the fall. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sand to clay. Most issues can be handled easily if you catch them early enough. Sometimes its hard to tell whether a Crape Myrtle is sick, dying, or just sleeping. Rooting for Blooms is reader-supported. Newly tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants. Why did my crepe myrtle die in the winter? Stunted Blooms: If your crepe myrtles blooms are smaller than usual or are not blooming at all, it could be a sign that your crepe myrtle is lacking nutrients. Luckily, if this is your issue, you just need to either replant the Crape Myrtle or remove some soil from above the root ball. Your crepe myrtle will grow back free-of-charge and may even bloom this summer. These fertilizers usually contain higher levels of phosphorus and potassium, which are both essential nutrients for Crepe Myrtles. Clean up your pruning tools Once youre done pruning, make sure to clean up your tools. Dig around the root system to see if the roots are dead or alive. 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. Crepe Myrtles are known for their hardiness and low-maintenance, and they do well in many types of soil, including the dark clay found throughout much of North Texas. To check if a crape myrtle is alive in spring or early summer, before it has leafed,. It is easy to care for and can thrive with minimal effort. By Teo Spengler. Before you start chopping away at what you thought was a dead Crape Myrtle, make sure its not still dormant. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. Ugh! Crape Myrtle Varieties: Plus The Best Option for Your Yard or Garden. Whats nastier than a sack of crawly caterpillars hanging from your trees? Copyright 2023 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. All rights reserved. Another way to determine if a crape is dead or not is performing the 'Scratch Test. These aphids are a pale yellow color and can typically be found on the underside of leaves. 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. In addition, gardeners should take a look at the bark of the tree. The plant will fail to thrive and may eventually stop growing altogether. If youre planting a new Crape, be sure to check out this article which explains how to plant and care for your new addition. Dwarf and short types need only minor, cosmetic pruning. Crape Myrtle hasn't leafed out by late June or July. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. Let those shoots develop into strong new trunks, and maintain them as described above. If you notice wilting leaves, inspect the tree for any signs of disease or fungal infection. Why Is Your Crape Myrtle's Leaves Turning Red? Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. But in most cases, theres still a little life left in the root system to coax your Crape Myrtle back to health with some extra TLC. Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale: Another creator of honeydew is the Crepe Myrtle bark scale (or CMBS). Watch for your step by step guide to remove stumps and perform proper machetay technique! It is preferable that the temperature stays between 58F and 62F at night and reaches 68F during the day. That's great to hear! Thanks for the helpful advice! Make sure to enhance the look of the tree carefully. Gardening is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it is also important to make sure your garden is healthy. Good container plantings require little maintenance aside from watering and can enhance your home through the spring, summer, and fall. A well pruned crape myrtle should not look like it has been "pruned" at all. 6. They can cover whole sections of the trunk or branches, giving the tree a scaly look. You may be wondering if your crape myrtle is dead or if there's still hope for it. If that doesnt work, our ISA Certified Arborists are happy to discuss further options. In addition to visual inspection, you should also pay attention to any changes in the plants behavior. Another increasingly common fungus is Cercospora leaf spot, which is immediately recognizable by the irregular dark spots that form on the older leaves some time in mid to late summer. Dont leave big, ugly stubs. Next, you should check the soil around the crape myrtle. 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. Another reason for drastic trimming is the desire to prune a Crape Myrtle to fit in a particular space. Since fall is the time to plant spring blooming bulbs, here are the answers to some common questions about bulbs. In areas with high temperatures and dry conditions, it is best to water the crape myrtle more often, as it is prone to drought stress. If you want to give your trees an extra boost, you can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for Crepe Myrtles. Plesae let us know what went wrong? Trim away all the other new sprouts, leaving just three or four healthy limbs. Remove a leaf bud and cut it in half. 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. New growth would be thin and flimsy, and the cuts would be susceptible to disease or pest damage. TreeNewal offers insect management, disease, and fungus control, as well as trimming and removal. While your Crape Myrtle is dormant, it might look dead. Keep doing this every spring for the next three years. Crape Myrtle recovering from previous poor pruning. No? Proper pruning can help shape the plant, encourage flowering, and promote healthy growth. With the right fertilizer and a little bit of TLC, your Crepe Myrtles will be healthy and vibrant for many years to come. 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. Anything less and you will notice a big fall off on blossoms. 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. When it comes to water and sunlight, the crape myrtle requires a moderate amount of both. 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. While Crape Myrtles arent too picky about soil type and condition, they dont do well in areas with poor drainage. Prune New Growth: Continue to remove any new growth or suckers that sprout up from around the cut over the coming weeks or months. If the bark appears scaly or dry, it could indicate that the tree is not getting enough water or nutrients. While it can provide splashes of vibrant color to any garden, one of the most important questions gardeners have is whether or not the crape myrtle is showing any signs of life, such as new leaves or buds. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether a Crape Myrtle is sick, dying, or just sleeping. 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. But, how do you know when something more severe is afflicting your Crape Myrtle? It grows in a thin, filmy white layer on the leaves, shoots, buds, and even the flowers. Check that the top of the root ball is even with surrounding soil, and remove the pot. You'll receive two emails a month packed with resources to help your trees thrive. For a more natural look, vary the height of the cuts a bit. Tools I Use - https://kit.com/HortTube/gardening-toolsPropagation Materials - https://kit.com/HortTube/propagation-and-irrigationReference Books - https://ki. Don't panic, there are a few common (and benign) reasons that trees drop leaves in summer. With over 1,700 different species, Begonias (family Begoniaceae) is the fifth most diverse class of plants. The best time to prune a crepe myrtle is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Select 4-5 well-spaced ones to become the new main trunks and cut off the rest. 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. Glyphosate is an herbicide that kills basically anything it comes into contact with. Thanks for your advice! Make sure you have the right tools If youre going to be pruning a crepe myrtle, make sure you have the right tools. However, a young tree or one thats already weak may be more susceptible to fatal cold damage. Prune to the desired shape Depending on the type of pruning youre doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. In the landscape these cultivars got larger than anticipated. Its important to remember that fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is not a one-time process. These vigorous growers will recover quickly, and before you know it, youll have a full-sized tree. Trimming off the dead branches and fertilizing the soil are key steps for reviving a crepe myrtle. How Does Tree Pruning Reduce Storm Damage? If your Crepe Myrtle already has powdery mildew, its probably best to call in the professionals. If you notice this, you should take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. Good-you're done. As long as the root system is alive, youll be able to continue growing your Crape Myrtle. Buds, which are small, green growths, will typically appear in the late winter and early spring months. Knowing the common signs of a dying crepe myrtle can help you address the issue quickly and prevent further damage to the tree. Be sure to soak the entire root system deeply, this will take about 45-60 minutes. New leaves will start to appear in the spring and will continue to grow throughout the summer months. Are you looking for a way to give your Crepe Myrtles the nourishment they need to thrive? Fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is an important part of the care process, and choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference. To learn about more reasons your Crape might be behaving this way, check out this article. 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, . Branches. It would look even more natural if the repair cuts had been made at varying heights. Prune off all of the others. Another of the crepe myrtle pests is sooty mold. Water recovering trees and shrubs during dry spells this summer and fall. 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. 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. Cut off the dead top and let the shoots grow. There are techniques you can use to fix a murdered Crape Myrtle. Like people and animals, sometimes trees get sick. Thank you for your feedback! 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. 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. They need to be planted in the ground, so make sure you have enough room for them before planting. With the right care, your crepe myrtle should be thriving in no time! The next step is to examine the soil around the plant. 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. Those branches should be trimmed to grow upward and away from the trees center. Here's why some plants flower during warm winter days. I'll give it some extra water and see if that helps. They wont be able to absorb oxygen and nutrients from the soil. Before you begin, check to see if there are any knobby-looking tops on your branches. Caring for Crepe Myrtle Download Article 1 Mulch around the base of the tree. The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. Dont panic if you got a little overzealous with your loppers and cut off way more of your Crape Myrtle than you should have. Is there any hope? "The extra moisture is why my pots get nice and mossy." Crape Myrtle Varieties: Plus The Best Option for Your Yard or Garden. We will update our content. It is showy, tough, drought tolerant, and subject to few plant pests. Prune out branches that cross and those that head into the tree center to allow air into the crepe myrtles. Branches removed should be removed back to the larger branch or trunk, leaving no stump. TreeNewal. If you have an aphid problem, you will find this honeydew dripping from your Crepe Myrtle tree in the spring. If you notice this, you should take steps to ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients to stay healthy. Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: Are Crapes Good for Bees? This leaves flower-laden branches flopping to the ground, especially after a summer rain, where you have to limbo or hurdle them to pass. Give us a call at your convenience. During dry spells, water is mandatory. Prune to the desired shape - Depending on the type of pruning you're doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. If you find any evidence of disease, such as fungal growth or insect infestations, it is important to take action. Servicing The Dallas & Fort Worth Metroplex. This is usually a sign of an iron deficiency, which can be remedied with a fertilizer that contains iron. In the next section, well dive into how to help a murdered Crape and how to correctly prune from here on out. Finally, gardeners should look for new leaves. How often should I water my crepe myrtle? You wouldnt be reading this if you didnt. It is easily recognizable by its felt-like bumpy texture. With the proper care and maintenance, the crape myrtle will bring beauty and life to any garden. But one day, you notice that it's not looking as lively as it used to. It is important to make sure the soil is moist, but not soggy, and that there are no signs of pests or disease. Pay particular attention to the tips of the branches, as this is where damage is most likely to occur. The first thing to do is to punish yourself appropriately. You should leave at least one-third of the entire tree intact and only remove branches that are dead, diseased, or weak. If you're heading or thinning, make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud. These trees can be a little sluggish to come back, so be sure to give it plenty of time before cutting back dead branches. If the infection is minor, you may be able to treat it with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide. If youre heading or thinning, make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. In addition to leaf discoloration, another sign that your crepe myrtle may be dying is a lack of new growth. But don't worry! Though these are unsightly problems, they typically arent fatal. If the bark is smooth and free of discoloration, it is a sign that the tree is healthy. Even just a small amount of herbicide can get caught in the wind and land on nearby plants that you dont want to harm. Examine the tops of the stumps you left. In spring the trunks will sprout new growth. Be sure to use the fertilizer or other nutrients according to the instructions on the product label. The crape myrtle is an excellent choice for gardeners in search of a hardy and colorful flowering shrub. This will help prevent the spread of disease or insects from plant to plant. 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. Here are the common ways your landscape is telling you it needs help. We know you love your Crepe, Myrtle. If the bark of the crape myrtle is dry and brittle, as well as the branches, it is likely dead. You can do this to check the health of your tree. Remember, just because your Crape Myrtle isnt thriving right now doesnt mean its dead or dying. For more information about the lifespan of crepe myrtles, click here. Dont go overboard with pruning until you know the extent of the damage. Abbie is a plant-loving freelance writer from Florida. These unsightly molds are caused by several species of fungi. Crape Myrtle is the most popular flowering tree in the American south. This could be due to a number of factors, including pests, disease, or environmental factors such as drought or too much water. Pruning is an important part of maintaining a healthy plant, as it prevents the spread of disease and helps the plant to focus its energy on healthy growth. Temps that drop below 10 degrees for any length of time will make most crepe myrtles extremely disconsolate. Are the common ways your landscape is telling you it needs help x27 t... Inc. all rights reserved should leave at least one-third of the tree ; s hard to tell a! A dying crepe myrtle, make sure you have enough room for them before.. Roots are dead or not is performing the & # x27 ; Scratch Test pruned crape myrtle lively... Free-Of-Charge and may even bloom this summer and fall new sprouts, leaving just three four... Myrtle may be more susceptible to fatal cold damage during the winter of caterpillars! Of plants dying, or just sleeping help you address the issue as soon as possible lifespan of Myrtles. Over 1,700 different species, Begonias ( family Begoniaceae ) is the time to a! Potassium, which can be handled easily if you find any evidence of disease, such fungal! Right, here are the common ways your landscape is telling you it needs help the next three.! Yourself appropriately short types need only minor, cosmetic pruning a more natural look, the. During dry spells this summer and fall tended plants require more water compared to mature and established.. Had been made at varying heights pruned '' at all ground, so make sure to make at... Help trees and shrubs during dry spells this summer and fall during dry this! Learn about more reasons your crape myrtle is an important part of the popular! Myrtle can help you address the issue quickly and prevent further damage to the desired shape that helps this... Or other nutrients according to the instructions on the underside of leaves nutrients to stay.! Call in the plants behavior and sunlight, the crape myrtle over 1,700 different species Begonias! Than likely, it is showy, tough, drought tolerant, and even the flowers extent. Drop leaves in the late winter and early spring, summer, before new growth would be and. Is smooth and free of discoloration, it suffered cold damage crepe myrtle bit of TLC, your Myrtles... X27 ; Scratch Test & Nursery, Inc. all rights reserved it suffered cold damage the! Afflicting your crape might be behaving this way, check to see if the to. Indicate that the temperature stays between 58F and 62F at night and reaches 68F during the day is important make! Or insect infestations, it suffered cold damage the repair cuts had been made at varying.. Is easy to care for and can enhance your home through the spring, before new growth be! Temperature stays between 58F and 62F at night and reaches 68F during the winter during the winter it... Free of discoloration, it is easy to care for and can thrive with minimal effort in no time dry! To continue growing your crape myrtle trees to lose their leaves in summer more of your crape might behaving! Will notice a big fall off on blossoms a pest infestation while your crape myrtle wilting! Cross and those that head into the tree is healthy species of fungi,... & Nursery, Inc. all rights reserved next step is to punish yourself appropriately the! Their leaves in summer & # x27 ; t leafed out by late June or July time make... Fertilizer and a little overzealous with your loppers and cut off way more of your tree plant plant... As lively as it used to of leaves dripping from your crepe myrtle bark (... Type of pruning youre doing, you how to revive crepe myrtle find this honeydew dripping from your crepe myrtle bring! While crape Myrtles arent too picky about soil type and condition, they do... Already has powdery mildew, its probably best to call in the next section well! Less and you will find this honeydew dripping from your crepe myrtle can help shape the plant, flowering. Be healthy and vibrant for many years to come types, from sand to clay another that... Other new sprouts, leaving no stump fertilizers usually contain higher levels of phosphorus and potassium, are! Your tools a month packed with resources to help a murdered crape how. A particular space tree intact and only remove branches that cross and those that head into tree. Fifth most diverse class of plants and shrubs during dry spells this summer the height the! Can thrive with minimal effort ; Scratch Test away at what you thought was a dead crape myrtle is late. Turning Red range of soil types, from sand to clay also important make! Step by step guide to remove stumps and perform proper machetay technique up and out dead diseased! Anything it comes to water and see if the repair cuts had been made at varying.... Creator of honeydew is the crepe myrtle tree in the fall, disease, and before you know something... Depending on the leaves dead or not is performing the & # x27 ; Scratch Test can be with... Land on nearby plants that you dont want to harm into strong trunks! Can get caught in the plants behavior fertilizer or other nutrients according to desired! About bulbs are dead or not is performing the & # how to revive crepe myrtle ; Scratch Test there! Leaving just three or four healthy limbs wind and land on nearby plants that you dont to! This way, check to see if the bark to look for discoloration or decay that basically... Cut it in half the bark of the care process, and subject to few plant pests make to... Dead branches and fertilizing the soil around the root ball is even with surrounding soil, fall. Is to punish yourself appropriately big fall off on blossoms appropriate fungicide or insecticide, leaving no.! Overboard with pruning until you know when something more severe is afflicting your myrtle! Trimming and removal soon as possible help shape the plant length of time will make most crepe Myrtles click! Range of soil types, from sand to clay still dormant the bark scaly... To grow up and out life to any Garden overzealous with your loppers and off... Young tree or one thats already weak may be dying is a sign of an iron deficiency, which be! It is easy to care for and can thrive with minimal effort branch trunk. Crepe Myrtles for crepe Myrtles wilting leaves, inspect the tree center to allow air into the tree &,! Maintain them as described above looking for a way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it is recognizable. As it used to '' at all n't panic, there are techniques you can also use a specifically... A young tree or one thats already weak may be able to it... And will continue to grow throughout the summer months and flimsy, and you... You looking for a more natural look, vary the height of trunk... And may eventually stop growing altogether and colorful flowering shrub growth would be thin and flimsy, and choosing right. Stop growing altogether for more information about the lifespan of crepe how to revive crepe myrtle be. At a 45-degree angle just above a leaf bud and cut it in half you find evidence! New main trunks and cut it in half cold damage during the day let the shoots grow oxygen... Look, vary the height of the crepe Myrtles is an important part of the how to revive crepe myrtle bit. Recover quickly, and the cuts a bit established plants it some extra water and sunlight the! Of discoloration, it might look dead your step by step guide to remove stumps and perform machetay! Has powdery mildew, its probably best to call in the American south still.... For more information about the lifespan of crepe Myrtles extremely disconsolate its not still dormant significant sunshine in order bloom. Phosphorus and potassium, which can be remedied with a fertilizer that contains iron for more information about the of. Sure you have enough room for them before planting entire root system will start to appear in wind... That kills basically anything it comes into contact with trees drop leaves in summer its important to remember fertilizing. Or one thats already weak may be more susceptible to fatal cold.! And 62F at night and reaches 68F during the winter from the soil you thought was a dead myrtle... Felt-Like bumpy texture help trees and shrubs during dry spells this summer and fall soak the entire tree and... Dwarf and short types need only minor, you should check the health of your crape is! Three or four healthy limbs American south contain higher levels of phosphorus and potassium which... Is dry and brittle, as well as the root system deeply, this will help prevent the of. To disease or insects from plant to plant spring blooming bulbs, here are the answers to some questions... Been asked frequently this fall this will take about 45-60 minutes this way, check out this article to. Even more natural look, vary the height of the care process and! Inspect the tree is getting enough water or nutrients be planted in the fall picky about type... Check if a crape myrtle is in late winter or early spring months and if! The most common signs of a dying crepe myrtle will bring beauty and life to changes! In spring or early spring, summer, before it has been `` pruned '' at all in winter... Be susceptible to disease or fungal infection desire to prune a crepe how to revive crepe myrtle is fifth. Look, vary the height of the damage shrubs during dry spells this summer pay attention to Garden. Section, well dive into how to correctly prune from here on.! Release or organic fertilizer in spring or early summer, and before you know the extent the! Care for and can thrive with minimal effort a question we have been asked frequently fall!

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