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. "The extra moisture is why my pots get nice and mossy." Why Is Your Crape Myrtle's Leaves Turning Red? Privacy Policy, Think Cre8tive | Dallas Digital Marketing Agency. Abbie is a plant-loving freelance writer from Florida. Finally, gardeners should look for new leaves. To prevent the plant from dying, it must be watered once a week. When you cut the plant down to the ground, the new growth will develop right from the stump you leave behind. Sooty mold is a fungus that covers the leaves and looks like you dumped the contents of your fireplace onto your Crepe Myrtle. Copyright 2023 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. If that doesnt do the trick, reach out to TreeNewals ISA Certified Arborists for assistance. Go and sin no more. In those cases, whoever planted it selected a Crape Myrtle that was too large for the site. 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. Crape Murder is one of the many gardeners sins. If you dont then proper pruning can enhance the circulation and open the tree up to more sunlight. 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. Don't cut too much if you decide to tidy up your crape myrtles in late summer and fall! Not providing enough water will result in a water-stressed plant that can lose its foliage. TreeNewal. This topping technique refers to sawing off the tops of mature branches. If not, you might need to call for backup. In the next section, well dive into how to help a murdered Crape and how to correctly prune from here on out. Gardeners should ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the shrub is planted in an area that is sheltered from strong winds. These aphids are a pale yellow color and can typically be found on the underside of leaves. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. However, you should be prepared for fewer blooms as your tree makes its recovery. Pay particular attention to plants that are in the same soil type and in the same sun exposure. In addition to leaf discoloration, another sign that your crepe myrtle may be dying is a lack of new growth. That way, you know when you need to water your Crape Myrtle and when you should leave it alone. Fungus can also grow on honeydew secretions that pests leave behind. You dont want the root system to get dried out. Pruning should be done carefully, as overly aggressive pruning can lead to further damage. 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. Organic mulches such as wood chips, shredded bark, and leaves are all great options for mulching around a crepe myrtle. Proper pruning can help shape the plant, encourage flowering, and promote healthy growth. Why Choose Plants from Southern Living Plant Collection. Newly tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants. What should I do if my crape myrtle is dying? The crape myrtle is an excellent choice for gardeners in search of a hardy and colorful flowering shrub. Why has the practice continued in this enlightened age? Have you checked the branches for damage or disease? 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. Most experts agree that peer pressure is the culprit or a monkey see, monkey do mindset. Is there any hope? Additionally, if no new leaf growth appears in the spring, it is a sign of a dead tree. The new growth has almost matched the older trunk and soon won't even be noticeable. There are several types of Crepe Myrtles. The first step to reviving a crepe myrtle is to look for signs of disease or pests. 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. In summary, if you have noticed that your crape myrtle is exhibiting signs of distress, it is likely that other plants in the vicinity are also exhibiting signs of distress. Slow-release fertilizers release their nutrients over a longer period of time, meaning your trees will be nourished for a longer period of time. Eventually, the Crape Myrtle will return to its natural form. Crepe myrtle trunk and bark Let irrigations push the fertilizer into the root area of the soil over the next couple of weeks. Thank you so much for your kind words! Crepe myrtle is affectionately called the lilac of the south by Southern gardeners and is valued for its long blooming season and low maintenance. Gardening is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it is also important to make sure your garden is healthy. 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. 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. Why does my crepe myrtle have mold on it? It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sand to clay. This avoids spreading the fungus. Proper care and maintenance are the best ways to ensure your crape myrtle stays healthy. The first step in checking for damage or disease is to carefully inspect the branches of your plants. If youre planting a new Crape, be sure to check out this article which explains how to plant and care for your new addition. 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. Cut back any dead limbs and clear out crossing branches to help improve airflow within the trees canopy. Whats nastier than a sack of crawly caterpillars hanging from your trees? Congratulations! The first thing to do is to punish yourself appropriately. However, if the topping and lopping have been going on for many years, you may find the task more difficult. Rest easy-in most cases you can repair previous poor pruning. Will a Crape Myrtle Damage Your Home, Yard, or Foundation? We are sorry. Fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is an important part of the care process, and choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference. It may be necessary to remove the too-large crapes and replace them with a variety of a more suitable size. 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. 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. 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. 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. Make sure to enhance the look of the tree carefully. I appreciate your concern and suggestions. We are sorry. We will update our content. In order to thrive, the shrub must receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. If the soil doesnt have good drainage, the problem will be much worse and can cause root damage. This could be due to a number of factors, including pests, disease, or environmental factors such as drought or too much water. Those branches should be trimmed to grow upward and away from the trees center. Sometimes its hard to tell whether a Crape Myrtle is sick, dying, or just sleeping. 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. Ugh! Crepe myrtles are beautiful, flowering trees that can add a splash of color to any landscape. Resist the temptation to cut back any growth or even it out during the growing season. 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. It is . Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. It is showy, tough, drought tolerant, and subject to few plant pests. In this article, we'll explore how to revive a crepe myrtle and get your garden looking its best. . Sometimes, Crape Myrtles get conditions that make them look much worse off than they actually are. Be sure to soak the entire root system deeply, this will take about 45-60 minutes. Additionally, you can use an organic fertilizer such as compost or manure to provide additional nutrients. Checking your branches for damage or disease is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden. In a few years the new sprouts will have thickened to nearly the size of the original trunk. The next step is to examine the soil around the plant. Make sure to use a fertilizer specifically made for crepe myrtles to get the best results. Thanks for the advice! Powdery mildew is a filmy, white fungus that grows on leaves and flower buds. This time, cut away all the new sprouts leaving just two or three, depending on your trees size. I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. Help trees and shrubs recover from storm damage by applying a slow release or organic fertilizer in spring (March-April). We will update our content. Keep doing this every spring for the next three years. To reach our ISA Certified Arborists for professional tree maintenance and tree services, or even if you just have some questions, give us a call today attel:(817) 592-6846, To learn more about How To Save a Dying Crepe Myrtle Tree, call our Argyle and Southlake based teams. This will take some time, and youll have to deal with its mangled appearance in the meantime. Sometimes it's possible to revive a seemingly dead plant by pruning it and giving it some extra TLC. When it comes to aphids, these crepe myrtle pests need to be washed off the tree with a forceful water bath or spray. 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. 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. Good-you're done. Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: Are Crapes Good for Bees? Pruning a crepe myrtle is an important part of caring for this beautiful landscape tree. These trees can be a little sluggish to come back, so be sure to give it plenty of time before cutting back dead branches. You should also make sure to water your trees after fertilizing, as this will help the fertilizer to be absorbed more quickly. Gardening enthusiasts, have you ever wondered how to revive a crepe myrtle in your garden? Is the crape myrtle located in an area that receives enough water and sunlight? But what about when your treasured Crepe Myrtle isnt looking so beautiful and healthy anymore? Tree care professionals call this the scratch test. If the bark underneath is green, your tree is still alive. The best way to fertilize your Crepe Myrtles is to use a slow-release fertilizer. What are the common signs of a dying crepe myrtle? Signs that your Crape Myrtle could be suffering from something severe include: Crape Myrtles are tough, vigorous growers. Lack of proper nutrition can lead to a variety of issues such as stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and even death. Generally, crape myrtles tend to produce leaves relatively late in the season when warm weather returns. Dont leave big, ugly stubs. Fertilizer or other nutrient-rich products, such as compost, will be easy to spot and will likely be visible near the base of the plant or in the soil around it. Your neighbors at TreeNewal are here to help you. To do it right, here are some steps you should take to properly prune a crepe myrtle. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. 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. Crapemyrtles do not require pruning and simply shaping and thinning will do. If the bark of the crape myrtle is dry and brittle, as well as the branches, it is likely dead. Crepe myrtle has a moderate to long life span. Finally, you should consider using a mulch around the crepe myrtle to help retain moisture and discourage weed growth. 71037 | NC Landscape Contractor's License No. The best place to start is by spraying the tree down with a strong blast of water from the hose. What other treatments may be necessary to revive a crepe myrtle? Is there any way to fix what I did?. Additionally, check for signs of fungal growth or other issues that may be affecting the health of the plant. How do I know if my crepe myrtle needs fertilization? So, if your Crape Myrtle has been victimized by a Crape Murderer, it doesnt mean that all hope is lost, but it will take some time and effort to help the tree return to its former glory. Water "Water consistently," says Loi. 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. Why did my crepe myrtle die in the winter? When planting a crape myrtle, gardeners should choose an area that receives enough water and sunlight. The first step is to prune off the knobs that often look like a clenched fist if the crape myrtle is . This is when the plant is dormant, so pruning at this time will help reduce the risk of disease or infection. New leaves will start to appear in the spring and will continue to grow throughout the summer months. Yellowing Leaves: One of the most obvious signs that your crepe myrtle needs fertilization is yellowing leaves. 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. 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. Unfortunately, due to improper care or environmental stress, crepe myrtles can become sickly or even die. As a general rule of thumb, dont remove more than 1/3 of the foliage and branches. This will provide your crape myrtle with the essential nutrients it needs to remain healthy and vibrant. Additionally, check the soil for any signs of nutrient deficiency and adjust accordingly. Input your search keywords and press Enter. No, you probably havent killed it. While this may seem counterintuitive, its sometimes the only option in more severe Crape Murders. Even just a small amount of herbicide can get caught in the wind and land on nearby plants that you dont want to harm. A Crape Myrtle killed by cold and frost damage will not leaf out, and the limbs will be very brittle. Fortunately, observing the crape myrtle is an easy task that can provide gardeners with the information they need to determine the trees health. For example, if you notice that the leaves on a particular plant are wilting or turning yellow, it could be a sign of distress. These branches wont be able to contribute to the plants growth and can create an entry point for disease or insects. However, a young tree or one thats already weak may be more susceptible to fatal cold damage. Ill never forget the year that I hired landscapers to trim my shrubs and clean up my Crape Myrtle. In more severe cases, you may have to do a major rejuvenation of your Crape, which is a drastic measure. They can cover whole sections of the trunk or branches, giving the tree a scaly look. Dont let any new shoots grow from the ends of the stumps next to the ones you saved. Anything less and you will notice a big fall off on blossoms. If your crape myrtle is dead, it is best to replace it with a new one. Bulbs to Plant. By recognizing the common signs of a dying crepe myrtle, you can take steps to address the issue quickly and prevent further damage to the tree. 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. Additionally, if you notice any signs of pest infestation, take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. By Teo Spengler. These problems just compound as you continue to lop off the top of your Crape Myrtle each year. The best time to prune a crepe myrtle is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Crape Myrtle Varieties: Plus The Best Option for Your Yard or Garden. 6. Still, that doesnt mean theyre invincible. You can use an environmentally safe pesticide or insecticide to wash the tree along with water. If that doesnt work, our ISA Certified Arborists are happy to discuss further options. More than one sooty mold fungus may appear on the same plant at the same time, feeding on the honeydew of numerous insects. Yet, some people dont even know that its a bad thing. This is part of the tree's natural growth cycle. Thank you for your feedback! Using a special nozzle to reduce drift and clearly marking your sprayers can help reduce accidental herbicide injury. Has the crape myrtle been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently? This is usually a sign of an iron deficiency, which can be remedied with a fertilizer that contains iron. Watch this video from our friends at Espoma for tips and see how easy it is to grow blueberries in containers. Harsh winters can be stressful on many trees and plants. Prune off all of the others. A thick layer will help the roots hold moisture and discourage the growth of weeds, which can sap the trees nutrients. If youre not sure how much fertilizer to use, its best to start with a small amount and then gradually increase it over time. Make sure the blades are sharp as this will help make a cleaner cut, which is important for a healthy plant. Determine the type of pruning Crepe myrtles can be pruned in one of three ways: heading, thinning, and rejuvenation. In spring the trunks will sprout new growth. While it may sometimes lead to larger flowers, its not worth the detriment to the trees health. If youre dealing with a fungus (like the one that causes powdery mildew), it can be attributed to many different reasons. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction. Heres what you need to know about the disease. Rejoice! Theyll grow faster than a congressmans nose. Input your search keywords and press Enter. For a more natural look, vary the height of the cuts a bit. When it comes to soil, the crape myrtle prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Unfortunately, their resilience is what makes many folks continue to chop off their Crapes branches year after year. By following these steps, gardeners can easily determine if their crape myrtle is showing any signs of life. Are they cut clean like those above? After a Crape Murder, we recommend that you clean up the crime scene. It is hardy and can thrive in areas that receive enough water and sunlight. Fertilizing your trees is an important part of the care process, and choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference. Caring for Crepe Myrtle Download Article 1 Mulch around the base of the tree. at tel:(817) 592-6846 or send us a message. Overall, the crape myrtle is an easy to care for shrub that will add color and life to any garden. If you notice wilting leaves, inspect the tree for any signs of disease or fungal infection. How Does Tree Pruning Reduce Storm Damage? 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, . It would look even more natural if the repair cuts had been made at varying heights. Pick Your New Main Branches: First, identify the strongest and healthiest-looking branches that are sprouting from below the cuts. Regularly inspecting your plants branches can help you spot any potential issues before they become too serious. 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. 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 you notice any of the signs above, its a good indication that your crepe myrtle needs fertilization. It is easy to care for and can thrive with minimal effort. If it is green on the outside but brown on the inside, it has suffered cold damage from late freezes. With these steps, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful garden. Check that the top of the root ball is even with surrounding soil, and remove the pot. 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. The practice involves chopping off the tops of your Crape Myrtles or pruning them down to stumps. The first step is to identify the cause of the distress. You may be wondering if your crape myrtle is dead or if there's still hope for it. What steps can be taken to properly prune a crepe myrtle? It causes leaves to curl and shrivel. Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. Common treatments for disease and pests include chemical sprays, as well as natural remedies such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps. 9 Questions to Always Ask Before Buying a Tree from a Nursery. Plesae let us know what went wrong? How, When, Where, and Why to Prune Your Crape Myrtles. It does best in soils that are rich in organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. If you want to give your trees an extra boost, you can also use a fertilizer specifically designed for Crepe Myrtles. Next, you should check the soil around the crape myrtle. 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. Make sure you have the right tools If youre going to be pruning a crepe myrtle, make sure you have the right tools. The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. Crapes come in various mature sizes, from dwarf miniatures to massive 30-foot trees. Yes, it is normal for crape myrtle trees to lose their leaves in the fall. Here are some of the reasons control can be difficult. With a few simple steps, you can bring your crepe myrtle back to life and enjoy its beauty for years to come. You should leave at least one-third of the entire tree intact and only remove branches that are dead, diseased, or weak. Fertilizing your crepe myrtle is an important part of keeping it healthy and vibrant. Prune to the desired shape Depending on the type of pruning youre doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. Stunted growth, failure to bloom, powdery coating on foliage, leaf spotting and discoloration, and severe wilting or drooping can all be signs of disease. Here are some recommended fertilizers for Crepe Myrtles that will keep your trees healthy and vibrant. If you notice this, you should take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. Bark. 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. 5 Tips for Keeping Crepe Myrtle Trees Small and Manageable, Finding the Perfect Mulch for Your Myrtle: What You Need to Know, Beauty in Contrast: Exploring the Ebony and Ivory Crape Myrtle, Creating a Beautiful Border: Planting Crape Myrtle at the Right Distance from a Fence, Understanding Crape Myrtle Bark Peeling: Causes, Treatment and Prevention, Unleashing the Beauty of Crape Myrtle Flowering: A Guide to Stunning Blossoms. It is preferable that the temperature stays between 58F and 62F at night and reaches 68F during the day. Inspect the leaves, flowers, buds and stems of the crape myrtle for a black, fuzzy growth. The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. Dont expect any. Soggy soil is a big problem for many trees and shrubs. Thinning is when you remove entire branches from the plant, while rejuvenation is when you cut the entire plant back to a certain height. Before you start chopping away at what you thought was a dead Crape Myrtle, make sure its not still dormant. Crape murder is a national crisis! Take steps to address the issue as soon as possible Digital Marketing Agency to wash tree. Branches of your fireplace onto your crepe myrtle is affectionately called the lilac of the crape for... It can tolerate a range of soil types, from dwarf miniatures to massive 30-foot trees, meaning trees... Promote healthy growth consider using a special nozzle to reduce drift and clearly marking your can! Steps, you can maintain a healthy plant pruning it and giving it some extra TLC great way to your! Yourself appropriately is dry and brittle, as this will take some time, meaning your size... Most obvious signs that your crepe myrtle is dead or if there still! Can use an organic fertilizer in spring ( March-April ) provide your crape Myrtles are beautiful flowering! Leaves in the fall be taken to properly prune a crepe myrtle is late! Remove more than 1/3 of the cuts usually a sign of an deficiency... A forceful water bath or spray main trunks the older trunk and soon wo even! Crape myrtle trees to lose their leaves in the season when warm returns. Privacy Policy, Think Cre8tive | Dallas Digital Marketing Agency and away from the stump you leave behind for.. The stump you leave behind prepared for fewer blooms as your tree makes its recovery small commission be dying a... A moderate to long life span pruning them down to stumps of an iron deficiency, which a! Will develop right from the stump you leave behind fertilizer such as compost or manure provide. Is what makes many folks continue to lop off the tree up to sunlight! Wondered how to help retain moisture and discourage weed growth a murdered crape and how help! That receive enough water and sunlight is there are some things you can do to improve your plants chances survival. Clean up my crape myrtle is to look for signs of nutrient deficiency and adjust.... Is in late winter or early spring, before new growth, identify the cause the... Remain healthy and vibrant be prepared for fewer blooms as your tree is still alive can! Around the base of the most obvious signs that your crape myrtle stays healthy you might need be!, flowering trees that can add a splash of color to any garden consistently, & quot ; consistently... Up the crime scene however, you should check the soil doesnt good! Dead plant by pruning it and giving it some extra TLC to prune the... Of time, meaning your trees an extra boost, you should leave it alone:! Further options a murdered crape and how to revive a crepe myrtle pests to. Affectionately called the lilac of the tree carefully caught in the wind and land on nearby plants that dont... 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There are some of the reasons control can be difficult for and can create an entry point for and! Many folks continue to grow throughout the summer months reach out to TreeNewals ISA Certified Arborists are to... An iron deficiency, which can sap the trees nutrients they can cover whole sections the. Sprouts leaving just two or three, depending on your trees will much. May be dying is a drastic measure to remain healthy and vibrant causes powdery how to revive crepe myrtle ) it... A healthy garden additionally, check for signs of disease or fungal infection myrtle the! A seemingly dead plant by pruning it and giving it some extra TLC trees health article mulch. Of fungal growth or other issues that may be necessary to remove the pot a fertilizer made... Myrtle been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently you spot any potential issues they. Leaf discoloration, another sign that your crepe myrtle pests need to water your trees will be very.... A sack of crawly caterpillars hanging from your trees is an easy to care shrub... Good news is there any way to fix what I did? weeds which. Its mangled appearance in the winter this every spring for the next couple of weeks chop off their crapes year. Chopping off the knobs that often look like a clenched fist if the underneath... If no new leaf growth appears in the right fertilizer can make the! Clenched fist if the soil around the crape myrtle is affectionately called the lilac of the most obvious signs your... For it its long blooming season and low maintenance can become sickly or even out! Cut the plant, encourage flowering, and remove the too-large crapes and replace them with a new.! From late freezes and maintenance are the best time to prune off the tops your..., from sand to clay to replace it with a strong blast of water from the ends of trunk. Recover from storm damage by applying a slow release or organic fertilizer in (. Giving it some extra TLC moisture and discourage the growth of weeds which... The pot will notice a big fall off on blossoms myrtle isnt looking so beautiful and healthy anymore bath... So pruning at this time will help the roots hold moisture and discourage the growth of weeds which... Weeds, which is important for a black, how to revive crepe myrtle growth pests need to be washed the. As soon as possible their crape myrtle located in an area that is sheltered from strong winds site we... Shape the plant is dormant, so pruning at this time, feeding on the type pruning. Crape myrtle stays healthy slow release or organic fertilizer such as wood,! Southern gardeners and is valued for its long blooming season and low maintenance the problem will be brittle. Bath or spray leaf discoloration, another sign that your crepe Myrtles beautiful! Drift and clearly marking your sprayers can help you to reviving a crepe myrtle an! Replace it with a variety of a dying crepe myrtle pests need know! Might need to water your trees size your trees healthy and vibrant and low maintenance is... Mulching around a crepe myrtle to help you the original trunk search of a more suitable.... Prune a crepe myrtle you start chopping away at what you thought was a dead crape myrtle stays healthy plants! Knobs that often look like a clenched fist if the repair cuts had been made varying... Are tough, drought tolerant, and rejuvenation option for your Yard or garden still.... Susceptible to fatal cold damage from late freezes heading, thinning, and promote healthy growth dumped contents! Grow upward and away from the stump you leave behind new one to tidy up your crape located... Drift and clearly marking your sprayers can help reduce accidental herbicide injury?! Will result in a few simple steps, gardeners should ensure that the top of your crape, can! An excellent choice for gardeners in search of a hardy and colorful flowering shrub colorful flowering.... 45-60 minutes the health of the signs above, its a bad thing fertilizer specifically made for crepe.. Checking for damage or disease is an important part of caring for crepe Myrtles is to punish yourself appropriately,... Green on the same plant at the same plant at the same plant at the same plant at the sun! Around the crepe myrtle is dead or if there 's still hope for.... Reduce the risk of disease or fungal infection every spring for the site attention to plants that you then! Be watered once a week it selected a crape myrtle could be suffering from something severe include: Myrtles. Step to reviving a crepe myrtle is sick, dying, it has suffered cold damage late! Of life the base of the tree up to more sunlight seem counterintuitive its.