5 Most Common Crepe Myrtle Problems
Crepe myrtle trees are a local southern favorite for many reasons.
They require a little to no maintenance after installation, and bring a large variety of vibrant colors few other species can actually compete with to your landscape.
However they do bring about a few issues that can be combatted by using a Certified Arborist from North American Tree Service.
If you have noticed a black substance on your leaves, holes drilled in the trunks and limbs, spotting of the leaves, or a white powdery substance on the leaves you could have run into one of the problems listed below.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a plant disease caused by a fungus. This is one of the most common diseases contracted by crepe myrtle trees. It contains patches of powdery white or gray growths that tend to cover the leaves and sometimes the branches as well. If your crepe myrtle was planted in a shady area as opposed to a sunny area, it can be especially susceptible to contracting this disease. Humidity is a favorable condition for powdery mildew to grow. To treat this condition, the best thing to do is to move your crepe myrtles to a location that provides more sunlight and less humidity. North American tree service provides tree planting in Lilburn at a low cost. Another option you might consider is a fungicide or a pesticide treatment applied by a professional tree service in Lilburn.
Cercospora Leaf Spot
Cercospora leaf spot typically occurs during periods of humid or moist weather. The result of this infection can cause severe relief drop or defoliation, distorted leaves and more. To help prevent further infection make sure that you are sterilizing your pruning utensils and loppers so that your other crepe myrtles do not become infected with this disease as well. A fungicide can be applied to the crepe myrtle to effectively prevent and treat this disease.
Japanese beetles On Crepe Myrtle Trees
Japanese beetles are pretty easy to identify as they carry a very distinct metallic greenish/blue head. Crepe myrtles are definitely a favorite for Japanese beetles and they tend to feed on all of the foliage and flowers. Japanese beetles can spread quickly as they lay up to 1000 eggs per period. Younger crepe myrtles are especially susceptible to Japanese beetle infestation‘s. If you suspect your crepe myrtle has a Japanese beetle infestation it is very important to contact a professional tree service with a certified Arborist and Lilburn to address the situation properly.
Asian Ambrosia Beetles
If you have noticed tiny holes drilled throughout the trunk of your crepe myrtle tree, you most likely have an infestation of Asian Ambrosia Beetles. These beetles bore into the trunk and branches to deposit eggs into your crepe myrtle tree. However, crepe myrtles are not the only type of tree that Ambrosia Beetles will fit on, so it is very important to have your trees assessed by a certified arborist in Lilburn to properly identify and treat the infestation before it becomes fatal.
Sooty mold
Sooty mold is another type of fungus that tends to affect crepe myrtles. If you have noticed a black moldy substance that is spotty and covers the leaves, it is most likely sooty mold. This is a type of black mold and fungi that feeds on the honeydew of a number of different insects. This disease doesn’t necessarily kill your tree, however, it can tend to block the sunlight from the leaves which might cause leaf drop early in the season. Aphids, scales, or leafhoppers are different types of insects to be on the lookout for that may be the cause of the sooty mold. A basic fungicide or pesticide can be treated by a certified arborist in Lilburn for your crepe myrtles.
If you have any further questions about crêpe myrtle care or crepe myrtle diseases and insects, please feel free to give us a call at North American tree service and we would be glad to help you answer all of your questions about your trees. Click the link below to get started with a free estimate by a certified Arborist at North American tree service!
