Crepe myrtles, with vibrant summer blooms and stunning bark, are beloved additions to landscapes across the South and increasingly up the East Coast. However, they are prone to a few diseases that can mar their beauty. Let’s arm you with the knowledge to keep your crepe myrtles healthy and thriving.

Common Crepe Myrtle Diseases

• Powdery Mildew: The most widespread crepe myrtle problem. It is a white, powdery coating on leaves, buds, and young shoots. Severe infections can cause leaf distortion and premature drop.
• Cercospora Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small, circular spots with brown or purplish centers on leaves. Heavily infected leaves may turn yellow and droop.
• Sooty Mold: This black, mold-like growth often develops on the sticky honeydew excreted by sap-sucking insects like aphids and scale. While not directly harmful to the tree, sooty mold blocks sunlight and detracts from the crepe myrtle’s beauty.
• Bacterial Leaf Spot: Less common in urban settings, it appears as black spots with yellow halos and can distort leaves.

Prevention: Your Best Defense

• Choose Resistant Varieties: Many newer crepe myrtle cultivars boast resistance to powdery mildew. Select these varieties when planting to reduce disease risk. [Include a link to a resource listing resistant crepe myrtle cultivars]
• Plant in Full Sun: Crepe myrtles thrive in full sun, which allows leaves to dry quickly after rain, deterring fungal diseases.
• Proper Spacing: Good air circulation helps prevent diseases. Avoid planting crepe myrtles too close together.
• Prune Wisely: Remove crowded branches and suckers from the base of the tree annually to improve airflow within the canopy.

Treatment Strategies

Protect Against Pests:  Healthy crepe myrtles are less susceptible to infestations of sap-sucking insects like aphids, scales, and whiteflies. These pests feed on the tree’s sap and excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which creates a perfect breeding ground for sooty mold. By managing these pests, you can help prevent unsightly sooty mold growth and protect the overall health of your crepe myrtle.

• Monitor Regularly: Inspect your crepe myrtle for signs of sap-sucking insects throughout the growing season. Look for aphids, which are small, soft-bodied insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves. Scale appears as tiny bumps or scales on branches and stems, and whiteflies may flutter around the tree when disturbed.
• Natural Control Methods: If the infestation is mild, try natural control methods first. A strong spray of water from your hose can knock off aphids and whiteflies. Insecticidal soap is effective for many common insects and is relatively safe around beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. These sprays work by smothering the insects.
• Targeted Insecticides: If natural methods fail or the infestation is severe, consider using targeted insecticides labeled for specific pests like aphids, scales, or whiteflies. Always read the Label carefully and follow all safety precautions before using any insecticide. Remember to target the insects directly and avoid spraying beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.

Treating Established Diseases:  If you find evidence of fungal diseases like powdery mildew or cercospora leaf spot, take action to prevent further spread:

• Prune Strategically: Prune out heavily infected branches and leaves immediately. Remove at least an inch of healthy tissue below the visible signs of disease to prevent regrowth. Dispose of the pruned debris in the trash, and do not compost it to prevent further spread of the disease.
• Fungicide Application: For moderate to severe infestations, fungicides containing myclobutanil, propiconazole, or other active ingredients labeled for crepe myrtle diseases may be necessary. However, it’s important to remember that fungicides are most effective when used preventatively or at the first signs of disease. Once a fungal disease is well-established, fungicide treatment may be less successful.
• Consulting a Certified Arborist: If your crepe myrtle is experiencing severe or recurring disease outbreaks, consult with a certified arborist. They can accurately diagnose the problem, recommend targeted treatment plans, and advise on long-term disease management strategies specific to your crepe myrtle and growing conditions.

Tips for Effective Fungicide Use

• Read the Label Carefully: Follow application instructions and safety precautions.
• Rotate Fungicides: Alternating fungicides with different modes of action helps prevent disease resistance from developing.
• Timing Matters: Many fungicides are preventative, meaning they must be applied before infection occurs or in the early stages to be effective.

NYC Tree Trimming & Removal Corp: Your Partners in Crepe Myrtle Care

While crepe myrtles are relatively low-maintenance trees, some diseases can be frustrating. From proper pruning to disease identification and treatment, our expert arborists are here to help.