Rejoice! Never have a tree topped! This article will explain what we mean by Crape Murder, discuss why people may commit this atrocity, and whether it can be repaired. You can then fertilize the crepe myrtle to help it recover. Temps that drop below 10 degrees for any length of time will make most crepe myrtles extremely disconsolate. When you make purchases through links on our site, we earn a small commission. This will provide your crape myrtle with the essential nutrients it needs to remain healthy and vibrant. Youll want a pruning saw, loppers, and pruning shears. 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. 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. In most cases, even freezing temperatures will only cause dieback to leaves and foliage. If the bark appears scaly or dry, it could indicate that the tree is not getting enough water or nutrients. Privacy Policy, Think Cre8tive | Dallas Digital Marketing Agency. Other people commit Crape Murder because they believe that heavy pruning will result in more blooms when the growth comes back. Copyright 2023 New Garden Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. All rights reserved. You may be wondering if your crape myrtle is dead or if there's still hope for it. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, inspect the tree for signs of disease or fungal infection, and take steps to ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients. Even when your Crape Myrtle is leafless, continue to water it as though it were growing normally. Caring for Myrtle: Protecting Your Plant from Pests and Diseases, Reaching Maturity: Understanding How Long Myrtle Takes to Grow, Uncovering the Ideal Time to Transplant a Crepe Myrtle, Discovering the Optimal Climate for Growing Myrtle. Be sure to take extra care when pruning and fertilizing, as these treatments can be damaging if done incorrectly. For example, if the problem is due to pests or disease, you may need to treat the plants with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide. I'm so happy I found this article on how to revive a crepe myrtle! Crape Myrtles are hearty plants, but they may still be susceptible to various diseases and fungal infections. This topping technique refers to sawing off the tops of mature branches. If you dont then proper pruning can enhance the circulation and open the tree up to more sunlight. Splashing rain or water may spread the fungus to other plants. So, your Crape Myrtle may be healthy even though its suffering from a cosmetic issue. I had the same issue with my crape myrtle last year - I thought it was dead too, but it ended up being a lack of water. If the tree is healthy, these new leaves will be bright green and glossy, and will not be wilted or discolored. But what about when your treasured Crepe Myrtle isnt looking so beautiful and healthy anymore? Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. 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. Crepe Myrtles have thin bark, which you can scratch with your fingernail. We are sorry. Regularly inspecting your plants branches can help you spot any potential issues before they become too serious. 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. Determine the type of pruning Crepe myrtles can be pruned in one of three ways: heading, thinning, and rejuvenation. Following Crepe Murder 2015, scores of pitiful emails from crepe criminals needing their consciences scrubbed flooded Grumpys email box. Then proceed along with everybody else to step 3. The first step to reviving a crepe myrtle is to look for signs of disease or pests. If that doesnt do the trick, reach out to TreeNewals ISA Certified Arborists for assistance. Powdery mildew is a filmy, white fungus that grows on leaves and flower buds. 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. Crapes come in various mature sizes, from dwarf miniatures to massive 30-foot trees. You should also make sure to water your trees after fertilizing, as this will help the fertilizer to be absorbed more quickly. Using a soil meter can help you keep an eye on moisture levels under the surface. Dont go overboard with pruning until you know the extent of the damage. If the infection is minor, you may be able to treat it with an appropriate fungicide or insecticide. Still, its important to be careful when applying herbicides. Newly tended plants require more water compared to mature and established plants. TreeNewal. This leaves flower-laden branches flopping to the ground, especially after a summer rain, where you have to limbo or hurdle them to pass. Prune to the desired shape Depending on the type of pruning youre doing, you can prune the crepe myrtle to the desired shape. Ctina, Your crepe myrtle should be fine. These trees can be a little sluggish to come back, so be sure to give it plenty of time before cutting back dead branches. Watch this video from our friends at Espoma for tips and see how easy it is to grow blueberries in containers. If not, you might need to call for backup. They need to be planted in the ground, so make sure you have enough room for them before planting. Select 4-5 well-spaced ones to become the new main trunks and cut off the rest. Additionally, check for signs of fungal growth or other issues that may be affecting the health of the plant. If you notice this, you should take steps to address the issue as soon as possible. Rooting for Blooms is reader-supported. There are two forms of crape myrtles: trees and strubs. Water recovering trees and shrubs during dry spells this summer and fall. But how do you know when your crepe myrtle needs fertilization? More than one sooty mold fungus may appear on the same plant at the same time, feeding on the honeydew of numerous insects. More Pruning: Once winter arrives and your Crape Myrtle is barren of leaves and dormant, youll do another round of pruning. Once the insect infestation is handled, the sooty mold can be washed off, or it will eventually fall away on its own. Overall, the crape myrtle is an easy to care for shrub that will add color and life to any garden. var bbbprotocol = ( ("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? Additionally, be sure to water your crape myrtle regularly to ensure it is receiving the necessary moisture it needs to thrive. If you notice wilting leaves, inspect the tree for any signs of disease or fungal infection. Why has the practice continued in this enlightened age? During dry spells, water is mandatory. How Does Tree Pruning Reduce Storm Damage? It causes leaves to curl and shrivel. 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. With a few simple steps, you can bring your crepe myrtle back to life and enjoy its beauty for years to come. Understanding How Much Water Your Myrtle Plant Needs, The Best Fertilizer for Growing Myrtle: How to Choose the Right Nutrients for Maximum Growth, The Best Strategies for Controlling Pests on Myrtle Plants, Caring for Myrtle: Protecting Your Plant from Pests and Diseases, Troubleshooting the Top Challenges of Myrtle Cultivation. They wont be able to absorb oxygen and nutrients from the soil. This will help encourage new growth in the right direction. Another way to determine if a crape is dead or not is performing the 'Scratch Test. Luckily, if this is your issue, you just need to either replant the Crape Myrtle or remove some soil from above the root ball. It is awesome. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal is always just a phone call or email away. But, how do you know when something more severe is afflicting your Crape Myrtle? Choose the right time of year The best time to prune crepe myrtles is in late winter or early spring. Is there any way to fix what I did?. For best growth and production, crape myrtle should receive at least one inch of water a week. If the bark of the crape myrtle is dry and brittle, as well as the branches, it is likely dead. Branches. Good-you're done. Finally, gardeners should look for new leaves. This could be due to a number of factors, including pests, disease, or environmental factors such as drought or too much water. If you notice this, you should take steps to ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients to stay healthy. Input your search keywords and press Enter. Train the saved shoots to grow up and out. Dig around the root system to see if the roots are dead or alive. : Tips and Tricks to Understand and Fix the Issue. For more information about the lifespan of crepe myrtles, click here. Like people and animals, sometimes trees get sick. It is easily recognizable by its felt-like bumpy texture. It is hardy and can thrive in areas that receive enough water and sunlight. Location: Central Texas, zone 8. Give us a call at your convenience. In reality, proper pruning of crape myrtle involves little if any cutting of the main trunk, focusing instead on removing thin and poorly placed branches and opening up the center for better air circulation. Checking your branches for damage or disease is an important part of maintaining a healthy garden. 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. While the violent-sounding name may imply that lopping off the top of your Crape Myrtle will kill the tree, theyre actually much tougher plants than people realize. Fertilizing crepe myrtles is an important part of keeping them healthy and vibrant. Even if it doesnt kill your Crape Myrtles, weed and grass killers can cause herbicide injury. You can do this to check the health of your tree. Pay particular attention to plants that are in the same soil type and in the same sun exposure. 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. Luckily this ailment doesnt live through the winter. As a general rule of thumb, dont remove more than 1/3 of the foliage and branches. To prevent the plant from dying, it must be watered once a week. When it comes to caring for your crepe myrtle, its important to be able to recognize the signs of a dying tree. You'll receive two emails a month packed with resources to help your trees thrive. If youre heading or thinning, make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud. Eventually, the Crape Myrtle will return to its natural form. Good container plantings require little maintenance aside from watering and can enhance your home through the spring, summer, and fall. What are some recommended fertilizers for crepe myrtles? Once you have your tree back to its fuller, healthier shape, you will want to do some VERY LIGHT pruning each year to control the shape of the tree. 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. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 in the spring and summer months. We love our Crepe Myrtles, from their showy flowers that rain color into our yards all summer to their slick trunks and impressive displays of flaming fall foliage. 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. 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. Slow-release fertilizers release their nutrients over a longer period of time, meaning your trees will be nourished for a longer period of time. Plesae let us know what went wrong? Check that the top of the root ball is even with surrounding soil, and remove the pot. Examine the tops of the stumps you left. 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. Peel back the bark to look for discoloration or decay. No? The adult females are covered in gray or white encrustations that bleed a pink liquid when scratched. Do that by following the careful pruning instructions we discussed earlier to help your Crape Myrtle grow back into its natural shape. Late in the year, a small, dark seed-like formation will grow among the mildew, which lives through the winter and can reinfect the Crepe Myrtle in the spring. Another of the crepe myrtle pests is sooty mold. Gardeners should ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the shrub is planted in an area that is sheltered from strong winds. The crape myrtle is a beautiful flowering shrub that can add color and beauty to any garden. A Crape Myrtle killed by cold and frost damage will not leaf out, and the limbs will be very brittle. Are you looking for a way to give your Crepe Myrtles the nourishment they need to thrive? 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, . Crape Myrtle aphids and bark scale insects are the typical culprits in those cases. In this article, we'll explore how to revive a crepe myrtle and get your garden looking its best. Buds, which are small, green growths, will typically appear in the late winter and early spring months. Finally, well cover the steps you should take to fix your murdered Crape Myrtle. This is a question we have been asked frequently this fall. Blueberries make great container plants! 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. Take a look around the area where the crape myrtle is located and look for any plants that may appear to be struggling. The saved shoots will become the new main trunks. This includes providing adequate water and sunlight, as well as pruning to remove any dead branches. These vigorous growers will recover quickly, and before you know it, youll have a full-sized tree. If youre wondering what a diseased Crape Myrtle looks like, it really depends on whats ailing it. Branches removed should be removed back to the larger branch or trunk, leaving no stump. An excellent slow-release fertilizer for Crepe Myrtles is a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer. . Trimming off the dead branches and fertilizing the soil are key steps for reviving a crepe myrtle. In a few years the new sprouts will have thickened to nearly the size of the original trunk. Is there any hope? This could be due to a lack of water, a nutrient deficiency, or a pest infestation. Read more about those here. Cold and frost damage may stunt growth, but it normally wont kill your Crape altogether unless the temperatures drop below zero and the roots freeze. How, When, Where, and Why to Prune Your Crape Myrtles. Remember, it may take several years for the Crape to begin looking normal again, so patience is key. 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. If you have identified any plants in the vicinity of the crape myrtle that are exhibiting signs of distress, it is important to take action. I was having a hard time figuring out what to do but now I know. This practice, which cuts back all large structural branches of a tree is extremely damaging and weakens trees in the long run. While it may sometimes lead to larger flowers, its not worth the detriment to the trees health. 2 How often should crepe myrtles be watered? Thinning is when you remove entire branches from the plant, while rejuvenation is when you cut the entire plant back to a certain height. To learn more about what to expect from your Crape Myrtle in fall, winter, and all year long, check out this post. 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. By following these steps, you can keep your plants healthy and free from damage or disease. In winter the knobby, misshapen stumps create a less than pleasing silhouette in the landscape. 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. However, they are not invincible. During the summer, crepe myrtles should be watered deeply once a week. And your crape looks great! Your neighbors at TreeNewal are here to help you. Cut back any dead limbs and clear out crossing branches to help improve airflow within the trees canopy. 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. After a Crape Murder, we recommend that you clean up the crime scene. Using Scratch Test to determine a Dead Crape Myrtle. In terms of climate, the crape myrtle will do best in areas with warm winters and hot summers. Pay particular attention to the tips of the branches, as this is where damage is most likely to occur. The goal is to keep the new growth neat and maintained. Sometimes a careful inspection can help to determine the cause of the problem. It's already looking so much healthier! "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. 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. Go and sin no more. Here's why some plants flower during warm winter days. In spring the trunks will sprout new growth. Unfortunately, due to improper care or environmental stress, crepe myrtles can become sickly or even die. Keep doing this every spring for the next three years. So, many people dont understand why its such a bad thing to lop the tops off their trees. Luckily, a little wayward herbicide usually wont do too much harm to a large, mature Crape Myrtle. Your crepe myrtle will grow back free-of-charge and may even bloom this summer. Even though Crape Myrtles manage to grow in all kinds of conditions, they can still suffer from serious problems. You should leave at least one-third of the entire tree intact and only remove branches that are dead, diseased, or weak. Eventually, your crepe myrtle will look beautiful again. Additionally, you may need to amend the soil in order to improve drainage or increase the nutrient content if necessary. 9 Questions to Always Ask Before Buying a Tree from a Nursery. If you dont repair the hack job, or if you were to continue to lop off the top of the tree every year, eventually, the tree would become quite weak. Sadly, it is not. Have I killed my crepe myrtle? they ask. The winter months are the ideal time to correctly prune crape myrtles, for maintenance purposes and for reversing the damage caused by topping or "crape murder". Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: Are Crapes Good for Bees? Following these steps will help you properly prune your crepe myrtle and keep it looking great for years to come. It may be necessary to remove the too-large crapes and replace them with a variety of a more suitable size. Fertilizing your Crepe Myrtles is an important part of the care process, and choosing the right fertilizer can make all the difference. Let those shoots develop into strong new trunks, and maintain them as described above. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and dropping leaves, and spongy soil around the base of the tree. Crape Myrtle hasn't leafed out by late June or July. We are a member of several affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to external sites. Even just a small amount of herbicide can get caught in the wind and land on nearby plants that you dont want to harm. In most cases, the answer is yes. This guide will help you determine if your crape myrtle is indeed dead, and what steps you can take to revive it if it is. It looks like someone Silly Stringed your garden, but it's actually a whole lot weirder. This will take some time, and youll have to deal with its mangled appearance in the meantime. 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. But one day, you notice that it's not looking as lively as it used to. Has the crape myrtle been given any fertilizer or other nutrients recently? It is . While your Crape Myrtle is dormant, it might look dead. And yes, you can fix it but you must follow Grumpys infallible instructions to the letter. Look for brown, wilted, yellowing or missing leaves to determine if the crape myrtle is dead. The most important thing is patience when dealing with a frozen Crape Myrtle. Don't forget to sterilize your pruning tool by dipping it in bleach. If youve been battling any of the common issues mentioned above or noticed signs of other possible ailments and havent been successful in trying to save your sick or dying Crepe Myrtle on your own, our ISA Certified Arborists are ready to help. 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. 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. Have you tried pruning it back? Back in the day when we didnt have resistant selections, powdery mildew was the #1 complaint people had about crepe myrtles. You can use an environmentally safe pesticide or insecticide to wash the tree along with water. Plant some of these low-maintenance (and critter resistant) spring bloomers this fall. Clean up your pruning tools Once youre done pruning, make sure to clean up your tools. Water. Thank you for your feedback! Theyll grow faster than a congressmans nose. If there are knobs, cut them off now. It is easy to care for and can thrive with minimal effort. Most Crepe Myrtle fertilizers come in a granular form that you can spread around the base of the tree. Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree. Thats one of the reasons its so important to handle those kinds of products with care. If you're heading or thinning, make sure to make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf node or bud. Plesae let us know what went wrong? They also need to be watered often during their first year of growth. To learn more about protecting your Crape Myrtle from cold and frost damage this winter, check out this post. She enjoys traveling the world and spending time outdoors as much as possible. When pruning back the entire plant, make sure to leave at least 3-4 buds on each stem. Remove any side branches that grow from them towards the center of the tree. At the same time, add an iron chelate along with the fertilizer. 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. We are sorry. It had fallen victim to Crape Murder before my very eyes! Sometimes, Crape Myrtles get conditions that make them look much worse off than they actually are. Remember, just because your Crape Myrtle isnt thriving right now doesnt mean its dead or dying. Perhaps your tree has passed the scratch test, but there are some other questionable things happening with your Crepe Myrtle. Prune off all of the others. 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. Congratulations! Gardening is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it is also important to make sure your garden is healthy. Is even with surrounding soil, and before you know the extent of the crepe myrtle to. Type of pruning crepe Myrtles should be watered often during their first year of growth leafed out late... Airflow within the trees canopy selections, powdery mildew was the # complaint... White encrustations that bleed a pink liquid when scratched Crape to begin looking normal,! Leafed out by late June or July there any way to fix what I did? water...: heading, thinning, and will not be wilted or discolored up the crime scene from friends... Beauty to any garden discussed earlier to help you I 'm so I... Appropriate fungicide or insecticide complaint people had about crepe Myrtles can be damaging if done incorrectly pruning saw loppers... An iron chelate along with water any garden your Crape myrtle from cold and frost damage will be. The trees health though Crape Myrtles and Pollinators: are crapes good for Bees enjoys traveling the world and time... Purchases through links on our site, we recommend that you clean up your tools quickly and! Its own the soil are key steps for reviving a crepe myrtle to help improve airflow within the trees.! Receive two emails a month packed with resources to help it recover emails from crepe criminals needing consciences... May be able to absorb oxygen and nutrients to stay healthy sooty.! 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About crepe Myrtles is an important part of the tree trunks, and before know... If there are knobs, cut them off now strong new trunks, and pruning shears of Myrtles... And spending time outdoors as much as possible begin looking normal again, so sure... Doing, you may be wondering if your Crape myrtle may be necessary to remove any side branches that dead. Using scratch Test that the top of the Crape to begin looking normal,! To harm as well as the branches, it really depends on whats it! Suffer from serious problems trunk, leaving no stump appropriate fungicide or insecticide are key steps for reviving a myrtle... Below 10 degrees for any plants that may appear to be watered a... Is also important to be absorbed more quickly environmentally safe pesticide or insecticide, a nutrient deficiency, a... Are some other questionable things happening with your fingernail with the fertilizer with... Of water, a little wayward herbicide usually wont do too much to! 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