The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. If youre a gardener looking to revive a crepe myrtle, there are several treatments that can be used to help bring it back to life. 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 to use sharp pruning shears and cut just above a leaf node or bud. To learn about more reasons your Crape might be behaving this way, check out this article. Crepe myrtles need freezing temperatures followed by warm weather so that it will know when to break dormancy. When planting a crape myrtle, gardeners should choose an area that receives enough water and sunlight. It is also important to remove the dead tree to prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for pests. Fungal growth takes place from spring through early fall. Want to know more about watering practices? The next step is to prune the crepe myrtle to remove dead, diseased, and weak branches. No, you probably havent killed it. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. They also need to be watered often during their first year of growth. Proper care and maintenance are the best ways to ensure your crape myrtle stays healthy. If you notice unusual behavior, such as your Crepe Myrtle being late to leaf out in the spring or if it doesnt produce any blooms by late June, take note. "https://" : "http://" ); (function(){var s=document.createElement('script');s.src=bbbprotocol + 'seal-dallas.bbb.org' + unescape('%2Flogo%2Ftreenewal-90940607.js');s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true;var st=document.getElementsByTagName('script');st=st[st.length-1];var pt=st.parentNode;pt.insertBefore(s,pt.nextSibling);})(); 2023 Copyrights. Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: Are Crapes Good for Bees? If the distress is due to environmental factors, such as too much or too little water, you may need to adjust the watering schedule or amount of water the plants receive. It is native to parts of China, India, and Korea, and is widely grown in the United States. You dont want a bunch of new mangled growth crossing into the center of the canopy. Another reason for drastic trimming is the desire to prune a Crape Myrtle to fit in a particular space. Train the Rescued Shoots. A Crape Myrtle killed by cold and frost damage will not leaf out, and the limbs will be very brittle. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you identify and address any issues you may have with your plants branches. While your Crape Myrtle is dormant, it might look dead. Make sure you choose sprouts that are growing upward and toward the outside of the tree. Do that by cutting off any side branches growing in the wrong direction. Luckily this ailment doesnt live through the winter. During dry spells, water is mandatory. 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. Prune out branches that cross and those that head into the tree center to allow air into the crepe myrtles. Additionally, if no new leaf growth appears in the spring, it is a sign of a dead tree. If the infection is minor, you may be able to treat it with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. For example, if you notice that the leaves on a particular plant are wilting or turning yellow, it could be a sign of distress. Decided I wanted to take out the Crepe Myrtle to plant something di. If you notice any plants that appear to be wilting, yellowing, or otherwise struggling, they could be exhibiting signs of distress. But how do you know when your crepe myrtle needs fertilization? While Crape Myrtles arent too picky about soil type and condition, they dont do well in areas with poor drainage. How about a dozen of em? Crepe Myrtles are also relatively disease resistant. However, if the topping and lopping have been going on for many years, you may find the task more difficult. Copyright 2023 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. All rights reserved. Has the crape myrtle been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently? You can use an environmentally safe pesticide or insecticide to wash the tree along with water. 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. The best way to fertilize your Crepe Myrtles is to use a slow-release fertilizer. Keep an eye on your Crape Myrtle for signs of distress to help prevent bigger problems. This article will explain what we mean by Crape Murder, discuss why people may commit this atrocity, and whether it can be repaired. This is usually a sign of an iron deficiency, which can be remedied with a fertilizer that contains iron. Our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can explain how sustainable tree care services add more value to your bottom line. Fertilizing crepe myrtles is an important part of keeping them healthy and vibrant. : Tips and Tricks to Understand and Fix the Issue. Sadly, it is not. 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. Water "Water consistently," says Loi. Even just a small amount of herbicide can get caught in the wind and land on nearby plants that you dont want to harm. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Before planting a crape myrtle, gardeners should consider the temperature, soil, and sun requirements of the shrub. Even though it doesnt get too cold where I live, it always seems like everything else in my landscape has come back well before the Crape Myrtles start leafing out. Thats one of the reasons its so important to handle those kinds of products with care. When it comes to aphids, these crepe myrtle pests need to be washed off the tree with a forceful water bath or spray. How, When, Where, and Why to Prune Your Crape Myrtles. Plant it in the ground now, making sure that the roots spread out, as Cheryl suggested. In those cases, whoever planted it selected a Crape Myrtle that was too large for the site. Pay particular attention to plants that are in the same soil type and in the same sun exposure. To answer the question of whether or not your crape myrtle has been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently, there are a few simple steps you can take to determine this. An excellent slow-release fertilizer for Crepe Myrtles is a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. Congratulations! Crape Myrtle recovering from previous poor pruning. If you're heading or thinning, make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud. Plant some of these low-maintenance (and critter resistant) spring bloomers this fall. Crepe Myrtles have thin bark, which you can scratch with your fingernail. Even though Crape Myrtles manage to grow in all kinds of conditions, they can still suffer from serious problems. 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. Cut back any dead limbs and clear out crossing branches to help improve airflow within the trees canopy. You should also make sure to water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist and encourage new growth. 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. This topping technique refers to sawing off the tops of mature branches. The crepe myrtle requires significant sunshine in order to bloom. Do that by following the careful pruning instructions we discussed earlier to help your Crape Myrtle grow back into its natural shape. Before you start chopping away at what you thought was a dead Crape Myrtle, make sure its not still dormant. 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. 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. Cut off the dead top and let the shoots grow. It does best in soils that are rich in organic matter, such as compost or aged manure. When the roots are too far underneath the ground, your Crape Myrtle will have trouble getting water, nutrients, and oxygen. Additionally, it is important to watch for signs of disease and pests. Crape Myrtle Varieties: Plus The Best Option for Your Yard or Garden. Glyphosate is an herbicide that kills basically anything it comes into contact with. Why are the tops of my crape myrtles dead? 71037 | NC Landscape Contractor's License No. Make sure to use a fertilizer specifically made for crepe myrtles to get the best results. With a few simple steps, you can bring your crepe myrtle back to life and enjoy its beauty for years to come. Make sure to enhance the look of the tree carefully. Servicing The Dallas & Fort Worth Metroplex. Soggy soil is a big problem for many trees and shrubs. In order to thrive, the shrub must receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. What are some recommended fertilizers for crepe myrtles? Checking your branches for damage or disease is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden. If youve only been butchering for a year or so, you can choose new branches as primaries and prune away the rest, letting the tree grow back naturally. The new growth has almost matched the older trunk and soon won't even be noticeable. However, a young tree or one thats already weak may be more susceptible to fatal cold damage. If youre a man, you must watch a Say Yes to the Dress marathon. You should leave the knobs only if you plan to use the pollarding method for future pruning. Are there any other plants in the vicinity of the crape myrtle that are also exhibiting unusual signs of distress? In this article, we'll explore how to revive a crepe myrtle and get your garden looking its best. Dig around the root system to see if the roots are dead or alive. Remove any small sprouts that develop near the base of the shoots you chose to keep. For example, if the problem is due to pests or disease, you may need to treat the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. Temps that drop below 10 degrees for any length of time will make most crepe myrtles extremely disconsolate. Because these trees are so resilient, its possible to do some damage control and repair a murdered Crape Myrtle. It's already looking so much healthier! The next step is to examine the soil around the plant. Understanding the Soil Requirements for Healthy Areca Palms. Proper pruning can help shape the plant, encourage flowering, and promote healthy growth. Keep Going: Continue this process every spring for several years, pruning away any new shoots other than those you selected to be your main branches. This avoids spreading the fungus. Following these steps will help you properly prune your crepe myrtle and keep it looking great for years to come. Dont leave big, ugly stubs. If you find branches that are damaged or diseased, the best thing to do is to prune them. Be sure to use the fertilizer or other nutrients according to the instructions on the product label. Thanks for the advice! If you find that it has not, then be sure to provide it with the essential nutrients it needs to stay healthy and vibrant. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. Ctina, Your crepe myrtle should be fine. Signs that your Crape Myrtle could be suffering from something severe include: No green growth underneath the bark layer. Healthy soil should be loose, dark, and free of weeds. While this may seem counterintuitive, its sometimes the only option in more severe Crape Murders. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 in the spring and summer months. However, some Crepe Myrtle trees do like to sleep in late, so if you dont see any signs of damage or disease, then dont panic too much if theyre a little late to the party. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. Most Crepe Myrtle fertilizers come in a granular form that you can spread around the base of the tree. Harsh winters can be stressful on many trees and plants. Additionally, if you notice any signs of pest infestation, take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. In order to identify whether or not other plants in the vicinity are also exhibiting signs of distress, you should begin by performing a visual inspection. Signs that your Crepe Myrtle is dying or dead. But don't worry! Why does my crepe myrtle have mold on it? Select 4-5 well-spaced ones to become the new main trunks and cut off the rest. Crepe myrtle is affectionately called the lilac of the south by Southern gardeners and is valued for its long blooming season and low maintenance. Still, that doesnt mean theyre invincible. 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. Newly tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants. Your neighbors at TreeNewal are here to help you. Why did my crepe myrtle die in the winter? We know you love your Crepe, Myrtle. Thank you so much for your kind words! Fungus can also grow on honeydew secretions that pests leave behind. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and dropping leaves, and spongy soil around the base of the tree. 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. It works by suppressing growth and can also be absorbed through the foliage or roots. We will update our content. But again, still repairable. It is hardy and can thrive in areas that receive enough water and sunlight. It is easy to care for and can thrive with minimal effort. 7 Signs Your Plant Might Be Suffering. Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree.
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