Plesae let us know what went wrong? When homeowners see their neighbors trimming down all their Crape Myrtles branches, they feel like they should do the same. This growth is called sooty mold and it occurs when honeydew-secreting insects such as aphids are infesting the plant. More than likely, it suffered cold damage during the winter. I'm so happy I found this article on how to revive a crepe myrtle! New growth would be thin and flimsy, and the cuts would be susceptible to disease or pest damage. By Teo Spengler. Theyll grow faster than a congressmans nose. But again, still repairable. The crape myrtle is an excellent choice for gardeners in search of a hardy and colorful flowering shrub. It had fallen victim to Crape Murder before my very eyes! 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. Remove suckers at the base, twiggy growth, crossing branches, and branches growing toward the center of the plant. Eventually, the root system will start to develop root rot, which can be a fatal condition if not addressed. The most important thing is patience when dealing with a frozen Crape Myrtle. Cut off the dead top and let the shoots grow. Heading, or topping, is when you cut branches back to a shorter length. 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. Select one or two sprouts per trunk only and prune off the rest. In the landscape these cultivars got larger than anticipated. Gardeners should ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the shrub is planted in an area that is sheltered from strong winds. Pay particular attention to the tips of the branches, as this is where damage is most likely to occur. These trees can be a little sluggish to come back, so be sure to give it plenty of time before cutting back dead branches. 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. There are plenty of reasons your tree might not be blooming or growing right now. Crepe Myrtles have thin bark, which you can scratch with your fingernail. Signs that your Crepe Myrtle is dying or dead. In order to thrive, the shrub must receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. 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. Most of the time, the roots can survive under the soil, and your Crape Myrtle will come back next summer. Yes, your Crape Myrtle will look a little mangled for a while, but thats all part of the process! If you notice this, you should take steps to ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients to stay healthy. Cut back any dead limbs and clear out crossing branches to help improve airflow within the trees canopy. Or, if youre like me and found that your landscaper committed a vicious attack on your Crape, all hope is not lost. Make sure to enhance the look of the tree carefully. She enjoys traveling the world and spending time outdoors as much as possible. For example, if the problem is due to pests or disease, you may need to treat the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. Prune to the desired shape Depending on the type of pruning youre doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. In spring the trunks will sprout new growth. I recently revived a crepe myrtle in my backyard and all I did was trim off the dead branches, then fertilize the soil and water it regularly. Following these steps will help you properly prune your crepe myrtle and keep it looking great for years to come. If these buds are present, it is a sign that the crape myrtle is alive and healthy. As a general rule of thumb, dont remove more than 1/3 of the foliage and branches. You can do this to check the health of your tree. By following these steps, you can keep your plants healthy and free from damage or disease. Rejoice! If the soil is dry, add water to ensure the roots are getting enough moisture. 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. Thanks for the helpful advice! Pay particular attention to plants that are in the same soil type and in the same sun exposure. If you want to give your trees an extra boost, you can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for Crepe Myrtles. When caring for a crape myrtles, be careful not to over-prune them which will cause unsightly knots, uncontrollable growt. Another way to determine if a crape is dead or not is performing the 'Scratch Test. 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. If the infection is minor, you may be able to treat it with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide. It would look even more natural if the repair cuts had been made at varying heights. 71037 | NC Landscape Contractor's License No. However, if the infection is more severe, it may be best to remove the affected branches and dispose of them properly. 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. It is awesome. Is there any way to fix what I did?. Water. There are several types of Crepe Myrtles. The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. If the murder has been going on for many years, drastic measures may be necessary. Make sure you choose sprouts that are growing upward and toward the outside of the tree. If youre a woman, you must listen intently to the lyrics of a Kanye West song. 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. 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. Why has the practice continued in this enlightened age? Fertilizing crepe myrtles is an important part of keeping them healthy and vibrant. If you notice any of the signs above, its a good indication that your crepe myrtle needs fertilization. Sometimes it's possible to revive a seemingly dead plant by pruning it and giving it some extra TLC. Thanks for your advice! How Does Tree Pruning Reduce Storm Damage? If the bark appears scaly or dry, it could indicate that the tree is not getting enough water or nutrients. This is especially likely if you live in areas where crepe myrtles are iffy, like the Mid-Atlantic states or the lower Midwest. You should fertilize your trees at least three times a year: once in early spring, once again in mid-summer, and then again in late summer or early fall. One of the first things you should look for is physical damage to the tree. If its green, then your tree is still alive. Overwatering, whether its due to irrigation or an exceptionally wet rainy season, can cause big problems for your Crape Myrtle. This is usually a sign of an iron deficiency, which can be remedied with a fertilizer that contains iron. Roots that are sitting in oversaturated soil for too long will eventually drown. You dont want a bunch of new mangled growth crossing into the center of the canopy. 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. These unsightly molds are caused by several species of fungi. Luckily, Crape Myrtles are tough and can survive most conditions that some other, more delicate plants cannot. So, before you cut your Crape down to the ground, read on to learn whether yours is truly a lost cause. Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: Are Crapes Good for Bees? The best iron chelate is iron EDDHA. If your Crepe Myrtle already has powdery mildew, its probably best to call in the professionals. However, a young tree or one thats already weak may be more susceptible to fatal cold damage. With the right fertilizer and a little bit of TLC, your Crepe Myrtles will be healthy and vibrant for many years to come. With these steps, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful garden. Fertilizing your crepe myrtle is an important part of keeping it healthy and vibrant. Plus, the weaker new growth often struggles to support the larger blooms. If the Crape Murder has been ongoing for a while, it may be difficult to correct the issue using this method. 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. Splashing rain or water may spread the fungus to other plants. Using a soil meter can help you keep an eye on moisture levels under the surface. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction. To check if a crape myrtle is alive in spring or early summer, before it has leafed,. Twilight crape myrtle has moderate water requirements depending on the prevailing weather conditions, growth stage, and season. Crape Myrtle hasn't leafed out by late June or July. If you are one of them, you may be wondering if there are any other plants in the vicinity that are also showing signs of distress. Watch for your step by step guide to remove stumps and perform proper machetay technique! Heres what you need to know about the disease. Crape Myrtle Varieties: Plus The Best Option for Your Yard or Garden. Flower buds drop without opening. If your Crape Myrtle is looking a little sadder than normal, its most likely a temporary issue. Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree. Dont panic if you got a little overzealous with your loppers and cut off way more of your Crape Myrtle than you should have. Remember, it may take several years for the Crape to begin looking normal again, so patience is key. Additionally, check for signs of fungal growth or other issues that may be affecting the health of the plant. If youre not sure how much fertilizer to use, its best to start with a small amount and then gradually increase it over time. Eventually, the Crape Myrtle will return to its natural form. All of these treatments should be done with caution, as aggressive pruning and other treatments can create more damage than good if not done correctly. Make sure to use sharp pruning shears and cut just above a leaf node or bud. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. While Crape Myrtles arent too picky about soil type and condition, they dont do well in areas with poor drainage. Checking your branches for damage or disease is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden. Thanks for the advice! I'll try pruning it back and see if it helps. This practice, which cuts back all large structural branches of a tree is extremely damaging and weakens trees in the long run. 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